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'She was the most amazing sister': 'Insecure' star Denise Dowse dies after battling meningitis at 64

The 'Beverly Hills, 90210' actress had been admitted to a hospital recently after contracting a particularly virulent form of the virus

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Beverly Hills, 90210' star Denise Dowse died aged 64 after battling a virulent form of meningitis. Her sister Tracey, who posted a heartfelt tribute to the 'illustrious actress, mentor, and director' on Instagram on Saturday, August 13, announced the actress's death. 

Earlier this week, it was reported that Dowse was fighting for her life and was not medically induced, according to TMZ. Tracey wrote in her tribute post, "I want to take this moment to thank our friends and family for all of the love and prayers. It is with a very heavy heart that I inform everyone that my sister, Denise Dowse has gone forward to meet our family in eternal life."

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In her post on Instagram, Tracey called Dowse "the most amazing sister, a consummate, illustrious actress, mentor and director." She added, "She was my very best friend and final family member. Denise loved all of you. I know that she is watching over us with all the love she has. I ask for privacy and your continued prayers. I will provide, at a later time, her Celebration of Life information. I will update you here. Again I am so grateful for all the calls, text messages, direct messages, and silent prayers for my sister. We could not have made it so gracefully and painlessly without all of the prayer warriors around the world. Thank you for giving so selflessly. I love you, Tracey."

Last week, Tracey was the one to post on Instagram that Denise had been hospitalized after battling a "virulent strain of meningitis" and was there.

Friends, family and fans have been sending prayers to Tracey. One user commented on Instagram, "Tracey thank you for bravely sharing this sad news. So sorry to hear. Denise was my first professional stage director and coach. The wisdom and standard she demanded provided the foundations of my theatrical craft. We enjoyed bragging about our Virginia roots and she encouraged me to trust my instincts. Over the years we’d bump into each other on the boards (occasionally at The Cork for a drink) and most recently at The Road Theatre. It felt like a reunion. She is and was a Mother Queen to many and her spirit is sown into the community. Her presence will be missed but her Essence is going to continue in those artists, friends and family she gave so much of herself to." Another user wrote. "You’ll always be one of my favorite people. So happy I got to meet you and tell you in person how amazing I thought you were. Prayers for all of your family. RIP Denise."

A user on Twitter wrote, "We will miss you Denise Dowse. Fly with the angels and get into some #GoodTrouble for us up there!" Another uer tweeted, "Omg I was just watching her on Girlfriends earlier. God bless her." "Mrs TEASLEY… Condolences to her family and loved ones… Thoughts to all the cast of BH90210… Rest in peace," wrote another user. A user tweeted, "RIP #denisedowse! She played the Angel of Destiny who brought Leo back to @H_Combs after the Charmed Ones fixed the future by changing the past and saving the present (as Piper says, if you don't understand it now, you never will). She will be missed deeply."