Ashari Hughes, a 16-year-old Las Vegas high school student, has tragically died after having a “medical emergency” on the field of a flag football game on January 5.
According to her family, as reported to Fox 5 Vegas, Ashari’s chest began hurting, and she then collapsed while taking a break on the sidelines. The principal of the Las Vegas school, Ian Salzman, revealed to the parents that Ashari had passed away following the incident.
“With deepest sympathy, I write to inform you of the recent passing of one of our students,” Salzman wrote, “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.”
He continued to say that “staff immediately began providing medical aid and continued until paramedics arrived.”
The Hughes’ family told the outlet that Ashari had a persistent heart issue but had been cleared by doctors to continue to play sports, despite the family wanting to pull her from flag football until further testing could be done.
Ashari’s loved ones created a GoFundMe in remembrance of the young girl. In the description, they wrote, “We are doing a fundraiser for our daughter Ashari, and everything helps. As a family, we are thankful. Ashari was 16 years old and was playing the game she loves, football. Little did we know this would be her final sophomore game.”
They continued to describe her personality, writing, “She was passionate, loving, and determined. She loved music, dancing, and bring around all the people she loved. She called football the real love of her life! She loved hard and was loved by many. She will be missed by all of us. Hold the #7 up high for her! It was her first football number, and she always wanted to represent it well!”
