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Student collapses, dies after field day tug of war

By Brett Rosner
May 20, 2016
Students and faculty in Pell City, Alabama, are mourning the death of a student after a day that was supposed to be fun turned fatal.

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Madison Wentworth, 13, was playing tug of war during field day activities at the Williams Intermediate School Thursday when she suddenly collapsed, according to WBMA.

The Pell City Police Department posted on their Facebook page that CPR was performed on Wentworth, but she later died at a local hospital.

Sgt. Don Newton told WBMA that Wentworth seemed to be healthy before the incident.

The school system released a statement Thursday about Wentworth's death:

“An incident occurred at field day today at Williams. A student collapsed during field day and was transported to the hospital. Sadly, we wanted to let you know she died at the hospital. We shared this information with individual homerooms this afternoon after 2 o'clock. Please keep this family in your prayers. We will have counselors available at our school tomorrow for students.”

Pell City Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Barber also spoke out.

"It is with great sadness that we report the loss of one of our precious sixth-grade students," he said. "Our thoughts and prayers go to our student's family. Counselors have been provided for students of Williams Intermediate School and counseling services will continue as long as needed."

Amanda Garrett, the mother of one of Wentworth's friends and classmates, said her daughter doesn't want to return to school.

"I don't know that any of the kids that were here today and witnessed this are going to be able to enjoy another field day," she said.

The official cause of death hasn't been determined.

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Brett Rosner

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