Matthew Wilkins had finished his VCE exams and was eagerly waiting for the results when he was struck by a deadly disease.

On Saturday, the Marcellin​ College student woke up ill and was taken to the Austin hospital.

The 18-year-old was admitted to hospital with a severe headache, abdominal pain and vomiting.

He passed away that afternoon from meningococcal meningitis. The sudden death took place on his brother's 17th birthday.