15-Year-Old Volleyball Player Dies After Practice amid Claims That Ambulance Was Delayed

Mar. 15, 2025

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Family and friends of a 15-year-old volleyball player who collapsed during practice and died in suburban Atlanta last week are calling into question the response time of emergency services.

Amanda Sylvester suffered cardiac arrest at a hospital on Thursday, Dec. 5, after her mother transported her there following what she and others claimed was a delayed response from Grady EMS,according to Atlanta News First.

Sylvester was practicing at Tracey Wyatt Recreation Complex with her Dream Chasers Volleyball Club when she collapsed. College Park Fire Department arrived shortly after, but Grady EMS “never fully responded” to a request for an ambulance, those who were at the scene told the news outlet.

However, in a statement to PEOPLE, Grady EMS said their response time was “based on the limited information the College Park communications center provided.”

“The call was categorized as low acuity, meaning the reported symptoms or conditions did not initially suggest an immediate life-threatening emergency that would require the immediate dispatch of an ambulance,” according to Grady EMS. “This assessment follows our standard protocols designed to prioritize emergency resources efficiently. However, it is important to note that when the 911 call came in, 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.”

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Now, those who knew Sylvester are mourning her death, and calling the circumstances around it “unacceptable.”

“We have precious lives in our hands, and we’re responsible for these precious lives,” Catherine Murray, with Dream Chasers Volleyball Club, said. “We have to have a better network and system to protect these kids.”

City officials are now further investigating the incident, per Atlanta First.

source: people.com