A high school junior and ‘rising’ cheerleader has died after suffering a cardiac arrest while attending a cheer camp at Texas A&M.
Callie Mitchell, 16, was airlifted to Texas Children’s Hospital, where she later died.
Before the tragedy struck, Mitchell was about to begin her junior year at Morton Ranch High School in Katy, Texas.
Days before the incident, a coach called the parents asking if Callie had “a problem waking up this morning.”
Her mother, Michelle Donahue, said she “never” did.
Her parents then drove to the campus after CPR had to be performed on their daughter, Fox News reported.
“If it wasn’t for [the coach], we would have never had the chance to say goodbye,” Donahue told KHOU.
Mitchell’s father, Scott Donahue, said his daughter had long QT syndrome, a conduction disorder that impairs the electrical system controlling the heartbeat.
Scott said his cheerleader daughter “probably” went into a cardiac arrest.
Mitchell’s father is now urging parents to get EKGs for their kids.
“For any other parents out there, you know they do physicals every year. … EKGs are not part of a physical. … Get an EKG,” Scott said.
Mitchell’s mother said her daughter was “like sunshine” and began cheering at age two.
“Always wanted to be a friend to anyone and everyone,” Scott added.
“Callie was a young lady of many passions,” her obituary states.
“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.
“A dedicated Taylor Swift fan, Callie loved to drive with the windows open, embracing life’s every moment. Her love for the color pink reflected her vibrant personality. Callie relished the taste of Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Free Birds, queso from any restaurant, and Texas Roadhouse.
“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.
“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.”
READ: Healthy Teenager, 14, Dies after Suffering Cardiac Arrest during Gym Class
