THE brave teen who melted hearts by attending her school formal with NRL star Trent Hodkinson has tragically passed away from cancer.

Friends and family of Hannah Rye were last night mourning the 15-year-old cancer patient who captured the nation when she attended her school formal at with Newcastle Knight's star Trent Hodkinson.

Students at Kurri Kurri High School were told yesterday their friend had passed away over the weekend.

Local football coach Michael Hurn told The Daily Telegraph Hannah had "inspired" the local community.

"Even when she was very sick she was always smiling," he said.

On Facebook last night Hannah's sister Annaliese posted a tribute to her sister writing "I will hold you in my heart until I can hold you in heaven."

Another friend described Hannah as "one of the kindest and most happiest girls" they had ever met.

Last week Hannah's mother Rachael told The Daily Telegraph they had postponed a family trip to the US because she was too ill to travel.

"Every day we have with her is awesome. We will continue to make every very special moment count," she said.

Hannah was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma when she was just 13-years-old. She underwent a gruelling intense chemotherapy and had been cleared of active cancer for only five months before the cancer returned.