The 16-year-old sophomore - a cheerleader, actress, member of the school dance company and honors student - died from a bacteria called Neisseria meningitides, according to Dagmar Vitek, deputy director of the Salt Lake Valley Health Department.

Although Vitek said the bacteria causes meningitis 50 percent of the time, she said the results were inconclusive in Hales' case because the family requested that an autopsy not be performed. But the physician said the bacteria can spread from the nose and throat into the bloodstream, causing an infection that, in Hales' case, led to multiorgan failure.

The news of her sudden death - Hales was hospitalized over the weekend after staying home from school Thursday and Friday - rattled those who knew her.

"Everyone's been in shock," said Sarah Dahlstrom, a senior and best friend of Hales' older sister, Rachel. "She was the sweetest girl ever - everyone just loved her."

The health department sent a letter home Monday to parents, students and faculty expressing the department's condolences, sharing basic information and providing recommendations.

The letter outlined how the person-to-person bacteria spreads through close contact. such as kissing or shared drinks, utensils, cigarettes and lipsticks. And the department mentioned that people suspected of recently having such contact with Hales would be notified with further recommendations, including the possible use of preventative antibiotics.

To help teens cope with the loss, East High Principal Robyn Roberts said the Salt Lake City School District brought in additional counselors to meet with students. There was a school-wide moment of silence in Hales' honor Monday. And students, looking to do something for Hales' family, made posters, designed cards, circulated journals and began a quilt project to remember their friend.

"We grew up together. She was always nice and pretty much the greatest person I ever knew," sophomore B.J. Little said.

Ben Shepherd, also a sophomore, remembered Hales for her kindness.

"She was happy all the time and never did anything to harm anyone," he said. "If you were feeling bad, she always made you feel better."

Outside school Tuesday, senior Amy Jo Miller found comfort in a long embrace with a friend. Wiping away her tears, she said of Hales: "She had an amazing smile. And the way she hugged you - it was almost too tight. But I wish I could have just one more."

jravitz@sltrib.com

chamilton@sltrib.com