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'You are a beautiful spirit': High school girl collapses and dies during workout

A high school student has died after collapsing during a training workout on her school’s running track.

Dance team member, Elyse Purefoy, 17, passed out suddenly at Arabia Mountain High School in Georgia, in the United States, news site WSB-TV reported.

She was rushed to hospital after falling down on Monday, local time, but was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the nearby Dekalb Medical Center.

Elyse Purefoy died after collapsing during a training session at school. Source: WSB-TV
Elyse Purefoy died after collapsing during a training session at school. Source: WSB-TV

The cause and circumstances surrounding her death are in the process of being investigated by police, her father told media.

He also confirmed she had been declared physically fit prior to taking part in the training.

Dekalb County School District said its entire school district was mourning the loss of a valued member of Arabia’s dance team.

Elyse passed away suddenly on Monday. Source: GoFundMe
Elyse passed away suddenly on Monday. Source: GoFundMe

“Our hearts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time,” it said in an email to WSB-TV.

Her family have set up a GoFundMe account in the wake of her death, describing their heartache following her shock passing.

“Today started just like any other day. I made you breakfast and lunch, and hugged you and told you to have fun at dance training,” the page reads.

Her family and school community have mourned her loss. Source: GoFundMe
Her family and school community have mourned her loss. Source: GoFundMe

“I smiled as I saw you and your brother get in the car to drive you to practice, but who could have known that you would not be coming home to us.

”The doctors did their best to bring you back but your heart just stopped working. Elyse you are a beautiful spirit. And we will miss you so much.

”There are no words to describe the hurt and loss we feel.”

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