A 16-year-old Texas girl has tragically died after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest at a cheerleading camp. Callie Mitchell, a 16-year-old from Katy who was heading into her junior year of high school, is being remembered for her drive and ebullience.
Mitchell was at cheerleading camp when she suffered a fatal cardiac arrest, according to KHOU.
She arrived at the camp on July 24.
Mitchell, who was a rising junior, started cheerleading at just 2 years old, her parents said.
She was airlifted to Texas Children’s Hospital, where she later died, the outlet reported.
Mitchell’s parents, Michelle and Scott Donahue, suggested that the cardiac arrest may be a result of Long QT syndrome.
Long QT is a conduction disorder that impairs the electrical system controlling the heartbeat, according to the Mayo Clinic.
However, the parents suggested that they were unaware of any issues that may have led to their daughter’s heart failure.
The active young woman’s death, they continued, came with zero warning signs.
Callie’s parents were in contact with the coach just days before her death.
“If it wasn’t for [the coach], we would have never had the chance to say goodbye,” Michelle Donahue said.
A popular cheerleader out of Morton Ranch High School (Katy, TX), Mitchell’s medical emergency reportedly took place while she was at Texas A&M University.
Mitchell died from cardiac arrest despite her coach providing CPR.
Mitchell’s parents also went on to encourage other parents to purchase EKGs, which are used to monitor potential heart problems.
Under Texas’ Cody’s Law, parents are automatically given the opportunity to have EKGs done on young athletes, KHOU 11 noted — but the test is still optional.
“For any other parents out there, you know they do physicals every year. … EKGs are not part of a physical. … Get an EKG,” Scott Donohue said.
The 16-year-old’s obituary read in part:
“Callie was a young lady of many passions.
“She was a cheerleader who brought cheerfulness to those around her.
“She was an avid reader and cherished her moments spent with family and friends.
“Callie also had a special place in her heart for her French bulldogs, Eugene and Ruby.”
“Callie had a unique connection with time and would make a wish at 11:11 a.m., trusting in the magic of the moment.
“At church, she was the spirited teenager who always insisted on the front row, reflecting her strong faith and commitment to her beliefs,” her obituary continued.
“She adorned her car, ‘Faith,’ with a cross hanging from the mirror, symbolizing her unwavering devotion.
“A natural leader, Callie attended Great Adventure Camp and took on the role of Leader in Training, excited about her future plans to become a counselor there.
“She aspired to be a child psychologist, reflecting her compassionate and caring nature.
“Callie was also a member of NCL Star Katy, where she loved to volunteer in the community.”