Volleyball player who collapsed at practice dies after ambulance never arrives, officials say

A Georgia Volleyball player collapsed during practice and later died after an ambulance failed to arrive and provide help, according to officials.

Amanda Sylvester, 15, ran into “physical distress” during warm-ups with her volleyball team at the Tracey Wyatt Recreation Complex in College Park on Thursday evening when she slumped onto the court floor, said the City of College Park Government.

Despite several calls being made to emergency services an ambulance never arrived to her aid.

Her volleyball coach, Catherine Murray, told Atlanta News First it was “unacceptable” that she was forced to wait for over an hour before staff had to intervene themselves.

A City statement read: “Not long after 6 p.m. Thursday evening, 9-1-1 calls were made, and EMT’s were onsite in moments from the College Park Fire and Rescue and EMS.

“EMT’s were able to stabilize the teenager, who appeared alert and was able to speak. An ambulance dispatch for transport by Grady EMS had also been requested, via 911 and College Fire Rescue.”

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The Grady EMS never fully responded to the call and the request was reportedly not canceled, said officials.

After “several follow-up calls, the ambulance had still not arrived” and the girl was desperately placed in her mother’s van and driven to the hospital.

Grady EMS told The Independent in a statement that the call was initially categorized as a situation of “low acuity” or low severity.

“A College Park Fire Rescue unit, staffed with two Advanced EMTs, was already en route to the scene. They are equipped to provide medical care and transport patients to the hospital in a life-threatening situation.

“After receiving a second 911 call and obtaining additional information about the patient’s medical history and condition, the call was upgraded to high acuity. Grady EMS dispatched an ambulance to the scene, where the patient remained and was still being evaluated by College Park Fire Rescue personnel who had arrived. However, while our ambulance was on the way, the fire department canceled the response because the patient had been transported to the hospital by a personal vehicle.

“We understand the concerns that can arise during emergencies, and we want to reassure the public that the safety and well-being of the communities we serve is always our top priority. Grady EMS will continue working collaboratively with our partner agencies to ensure the appropriate resources are deployed in response to each unique situation.”

Upon arrival at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Hughes Spalding Hospital, Sylvester was stabilized and doctors quickly established that she had suffered a cardiac failure. She was revived but could not be saved.

The teenagers’ team, The Dream Chasers Volleyball Club, released a statement on Saturday that paid tribute: to the teen.

“It is with great sadness we inform the volleyball community of the passing of our sweet, Amanda Sylvester. Amanda was a bright light, not just in our gym, but in the lives of everyone she encountered. We are honored to have encountered such an amazing young spirit!

“This is personal. Join us in our fight for Justice for Amanda. #justiceforAmanda”

It continued by sharing the details of a GoFundMe page set up in her memory.

City Manager, Dr. Emmanuel Adediran, said: “We are all devastated by this tragic loss of life at such a young age.

“Our Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department staff, College Park Fire Rescue as well as the volleyball club coaches, parents and staff followed all protocols related to an injury or health care distress.”

City officials are still trying to determine why an ambulance failed to arrive at the scene and an investigation is underway.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to conduct a full autopsy to determine cause and time of death, said the release.