Illinois teen collapses and dies on court during junior varsity basketball game: Report

An Illinois community has been shaken after a 14-year-old high school freshman basketball player suddenly collapsed and died during a game, according to the New York Post.

Amari Crite, a freshman student at Momence High School, was playing in a junior varsity game against Tri-Point Thursday night when she suddenly collapsed on the basketball court. The Kankakee County Coroner's Office is still trying to understand how the teenager died.

Shannon Anderson, the superintendent of the Momence school district, released a statement on Friday about the tragic incident. "We are deeply saddened to confirm the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of our 9th-grade students," he said.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this tragic loss.”

Anderson went on to mention that mental health counselors would be available to students and staff who may have been impacted by the event. “We are deeply thankful to neighboring Districts and the mental health and grief counseling providers in the Kankakee County area that have volunteered their services to assist our community during this time,” Anderson continued.

“Our primary focus right now is on supporting one another and providing the necessary resources for our community to cope with this loss."

Shortly after the incident, a GoFundMe account was set up for Crite. The purpose of the page was to generate funds to give the teen a proper burial, with the description saying: "As some if not all of you may know our precious baby girl passed away last night January 25 when she collapsed at her basketball game. We are asking for any and everyone to help us give her the proper home going she deserves. No amount to small no amount to big. And most of all we need prayer! Services will be shared when everything is arranged."

The goal of the fundraiser was $15,000, and the page has generated nearly $48,500 at the time of this report.

The local sheriff's office shared its condolences on Facebook, writing: "The Kankakee County Sheriff's Office stands with the Momence School District during this difficult time. Friends, family and classmates are all in our prayers. We will all remain #RedskinStrong."

It is unknown if the teen had pre-existing medical conditions that could have led to her death. An investigation is still ongoing.

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