Nationwide — Emanuela Datsa, an African American sixth-grade student from Dunwoody, Georgia, sadly passed away last week after collapsing following a school basketball practice. The 11-year-old Peachtree Middle School student was taken to a hospital, but did not survive. Her family is now searching for answers after an initial autopsy did not determine what caused her death.
Emanuela’s father, Selom Datsa, said his daughter had no known underlying health conditions. He also said there was nothing unusual about the level of activity during the practice. The students were indoors and mainly worked on shooting 3-point shots. “They were not doing any tedious exercise, and it was indoors,” he told Fox 5 Atlanta. “All they were trying to do is shoot the 3-point shot.”
Before she collapsed, Emanuela told her family that she felt strange and did not feel right. She did not report any pain, and her father said there had been no obvious sign that she was in serious trouble. “She said she was feeling funny and not feeling right, so she didn’t complain of any pain whatsoever,” he said. An initial autopsy has not identified a cause of death. Additional medical testing is expected to provide more information as the family tries to understand what happened.
The death has also left the Peachtree Middle School community grieving. The DeKalb County School District said grief counselors are available to help students and staff cope with the loss. “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. “Our hearts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.”
Family members described Emanuela as an active and loving child who enjoyed playing basketball, singing, and dancing. Her father said she had a caring nature and often offered to help people, even those she did not know. “One thing about her that is still breaking my heart right now is that she loved unconditionally,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if she knows you or not. She will offer to help you.” Emanuela leaves behind a brother and two older sisters.
Her family is now trying to cope with the sudden loss while waiting for further medical answers. “It’s been hard from last week until now,” Selom said. “Each and every one has their moment of decompression.” He said he hopes his daughter will be remembered through the way people treat one another. “You see your fellow human being by your side, it doesn’t have to be your brother or sister—just love and do good,” he said. The family has also created a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expenses. It has so far raised nearly $34,000.