16-year-old high school student dies after ‘medical emergency’ during flag football game

LAS VEGAS (KVVU/Gray News) – A 16-year-old high school student in the south Las Vegas Valley died after a “medical emergency” during a sporting event Thursday night, according to the school’s principal.

In a letter sent to parents Friday morning, Desert Oasis High School Principal Ian Salzman wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that the student passed away. The school and the entire district mourn the loss of this young life.”

He continued, writing that the student “suffered a medical emergency during an athletic event.”

Salzman said staff immediately began rendering medical aid and continued until paramedics arrived. However, she did not survive.

The Clark County Coroner’s office has identified the student as 16-year-old Ashari Hughes. Her cause and manner of death are still pending as of Friday morning.

A family member told KVVU that Hughes was playing flag football and was experiencing chest problems. She moved to the sidelines to take a break when she collapsed.

The family member also said Hughes had been having ongoing heart problems, and she was seeing a cardiologist. A doctor had cleared her to play sports, but given the ongoing issues, Hughes’ family was planning on pulling her from sports to evaluate her condition.

The letter from the school principal said the district’s Crisis Response Team will be available for anyone who may need their services.

A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help Hughes’ family.

Hughes’ death comes amid Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s recovery after he suffered cardiac arrest on the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this week.

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