16-Year-Old Girl Dies During Flag Football Game

A 16-year-old girl died after she suffered a "medical emergency" during her flag football game in Las Vegas on Thursday, Jan. 5.

The girl, identified as 16-year-old Ashari Hughes, a student at Desert Oasis High School, was in the middle of a flag football game at her school when she started experiencing chest problems. After experiencing chest problems, she went to the sidelines to rest. However, when she went to the sidelines to rest, she lost her consciousness and collapsed, Fox News reported.

After Hughes collapsed, she was given CPR by a nurse in the stands. The staff immediately began providing medical aid and continued until paramedics arrived. A defibrillator was also used to regain a heartbeat. Even though she was rushed to the hospital, she was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to Hughes' father, Hughes had a heart problem and had been consulting with a cardiologist. Even though she had been previously cleared by her doctor to play sports, her parents had been considering pulling her out to re-evaluate her condition, People reported.

"Ashari was 16 years old and was playing the game she loves, football. Little did we know this would be her final sophomore game," the Hughes family said on a GoFundMe page. "She was passionate, loving, and determined. She loved music, dancing, and bringing 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!"

"The loss of this young life deeply saddens us, and our thoughts are with the students' friends, family, and loved ones," CCSD superintendent Dr. Jesus Jara said in a statement.

"When a tragedy occurs, it affects not only that school but the entire Clark County School District family, and we grieve with the students, staff, and families affected by this loss," Dr. Jesus Jara added.

Hughes' family added that Thursday's game was going to be Hughes' last until her heart issues subsided. She was scheduled to have a doctor's appointment on Friday, Jan. 6.

The cause and manner of Hughes' death have not yet been released by the Clark County Coroner's office.