Leah Seneng, a 60-year-old California school teacher, met a tragic end on Nov. 22. Weeks earlier, she was bitten by a bat in her classroom. Her friend Laura Splotch shares the heart-wrenching details of her final days.

A Teacher's Battle with Rabies and the Impact on Her Family

Encounter with the Bat

Leah Seneng, an art teacher at Bryant Middle School in Dos Palos, encountered a bat in her classroom early in the morning before her students arrived in October. She scooped it up and took it outside, not realizing it had bitten her. She went about her day as if nothing had happened.This incident set in motion a series of events that would have a profound impact on her life. Little did she know that this seemingly innocent encounter would lead to her untimely death.

Initial Symptoms and Hospitalization

At first, Seneng did not exhibit any symptoms. However, she became ill and was admitted to the hospital on Monday, Nov. 18. Four days later, on Friday, Nov. 22, she passed away. This news came as a shock to her family, friends, and the community.Dr. Andrew Schwab, the superintendent of Dos Palos-Oro Loma Joint Unified School District, expressed his condolences in a statement shared with PEOPLE. He said they were shocked to learn that her passing was related to contracting rabies, most likely from the bat bite.

Friend's Perspective

Laura Splotch, a Fresno-based stained glass artist and spokesperson for Seneng's family, has known her for 15 years. They became close when their kids were in the first grade together at the Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences in Granada Hills.Splotch describes Seneng as kind, spiritual, and an accomplished artist. She was dedicated to her school and loved nature. She even had a soft spot for bats, thinking they were cute and fancy little creatures.When Splotch received a text from Seneng's daughter on the Friday she passed away, she was unaware that her friend was sick. She dropped everything and went straight to the hospital to be by her side.When she arrived, Seneng's husband and daughter were there, playing her favorite music. She could see Seneng's eyes fluttering, knowing that she could hear them. But unfortunately, the medical staff said that rabies was too far gone and there was not much they could do.

Family's Struggle and Fundraising

Seneng was the main breadwinner in her family, and her death was a great loss. Splotch set up a GoFundMe on behalf of the family, which has raised over $7,500. She wanted to make sure they had what they needed during this difficult time.After Seneng's death, a celebration of her life was held on Sunday, Dec. 1. At the service, some of the teachers from Bryant Middle School approached her about installing a mural at the school as a tribute to her next year.Splotch hopes that Seneng will be remembered as a great artist and a kind and compassionate person. She loved her own kid and the other kids at the school.This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being cautious around wild animals and the devastating consequences that can follow. It also highlights the strength and resilience of families in the face of adversity.