‘Healthy’ Girl Dies After Collapsing at Basketball Practice

An 11-year-old Georgia girl died suddenly after collapsing following a middle school basketball practice, leaving her devastated family searching for answers after an initial autopsy failed to determine what happened.

Emmanuela Seyram Datsa, a sixth-grader at Peachtree Middle School in Dunwoody, died on Sept. 9 after becoming ill during basketball practice, according to her family and local reports.

Her father, Selom Datsa, told FOX 5 Atlanta that his daughter had no known underlying health problems and had not been taking part in an especially strenuous workout before she collapsed.

“They were not doing any tedious exercise, and it was indoors,” he told the station, explaining that the players were practicing three-point shots.

Selom said Emmanuela told others she was feeling “funny” and did not feel right, but she apparently did not complain of pain before collapsing.

She was rushed to a hospital but died shortly afterward.

Her official obituary confirms that Emmanuela, who was born March 23, 2015, died suddenly on Sept. 9 at just 11 years old.

So far, exactly what caused her death remains unknown.

Selom told FOX 5 that the initial autopsy did not provide an immediate explanation, and the family is now waiting to see whether additional testing can provide answers.

An inconclusive initial examination does not necessarily mean investigators will never determine a cause of death. The DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office says some cases require additional testing, including toxicology and histology, before a cause and manner of death can be finalized. Cases involving additional medical testing can take longer than the initial postmortem examination.

Authorities have not publicly announced a cause of death, and there is currently no evidence establishing that Emmanuela’s death was caused by basketball practice itself.

Her father remembered her as an energetic child who loved basketball, music and dancing — but said it was her kindness that stood out most.

“One thing about her that is still breaking my heart right now is that she loved unconditionally,” Selom told FOX 5. “It doesn’t matter if she knows you or not. She will offer to help you.”

Emmanuela leaves behind two older sisters and a 9-year-old younger brother.

Her sister Mirabel Datsa launched a GoFundMe to help the family cover funeral expenses following the unexpected tragedy.

“This has shaken every part of our home,” Mirabel wrote.

She described their mother as devastated and said their father was struggling to hold himself together while the family tried to process how quickly Emmanuela was gone.

The fundraiser, launched Sept. 10, has drawn hundreds of donations from people seeking to help the family with funeral costs and other immediate expenses.

The DeKalb County School District also confirmed that grief counselors were made available to students and staff at Peachtree Middle School following Emmanuela’s death.

“The entire DeKalb County School District community and especially the Peachtree Middle School family mourns the passing of a 6th grade student,” the district said in a statement reported by FOX 5. “Our hearts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.”

Emmanuela’s former elementary-school community has also rallied around the family, with supporters remembering her and offering condolences.

Her funeral home says a Celebration of Life is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Byrd & Flanigan Crematory and Funeral Service in Lawrenceville. She is expected to be laid to rest afterward at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens in Buford.

For now, her family is left waiting for the medical testing that could finally explain why an apparently healthy 11-year-old became ill so suddenly.

Selom said he hopes people remember his daughter by following the example she set during her short life.

“You see your fellow human being by your side, it doesn’t have to be your brother or sister,” he told FOX 5. “Just love and do good.”