16-Year-Old Collapses and Dies After Complaining About ‘Chest Problems’

By
David Rufful
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OPINION | This article contains opinion that reflects the author's views.

A 16-year-old student died during a flag football game in Las Vegas.

Ashari Hughes said she was experiencing “chest problems” during the game and went to the sideline before she collapsed.

Hughes was a sophomore at Desert Oasis High School and her school was playing against Valley High School.

She collapsed at around 7:30 p.m. and was rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The Clark County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the official cause of Hughes’ death.

It’s speculated that the cause of death is due to cardiovascular problems.

It’s unclear what caused chest problems for a young, healthy student. A doctor had cleared her to play in athletic competition, her family noted.

Desert Oasis High School principal Ian Salzman said Hughes “suffered a medical emergency during an athletic event” and was provided medical aid from staff until paramedics arrived.

“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that the student passed away. The school and the entire district mourn the loss of this young life,” Salzman wrote.

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A GoFundMe page was organized by Hughes’ family for funeral costs and had already raised over $2,000 two hours after it was posted.

The fundraiser has surpassed $24,000 of its $50,000 goal.

“She called football the real love of her life! She loved hard and was loved by many,” the family wrote. “She will be missed by all of us.”

The 16-year-old’s death was three days after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed in the middle an NFL game.

Hamlin had his breathing tube taken out and is taking small steps toward recovery.