Las Vegas 16-year-old high school student collapsed and died while playing flag football

On Thursday night, tragedy struck Desert Oasis High School in Las Vegas when 16-year-old Ashari Hughes passed away after playing flag football at a school event. According to her family, Ashari had taken a break from the game and started having chest pains before collapsing. At the scene, a registered nurse performed CPR on Ashari before she was transported to the hospital, but sadly she was pronounced dead upon her arrival. 

Ashari's death comes just days after NFL Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed on the field during Monday night's game. This news has raised further concerns over the safety of sports-related activities for vaccinated young people as well as professional athletes.

Ashari's family reported that she had been suffering from heart-related issues for some time, but she had been cleared by her doctor to continue participating in physical activities like running and flag football. However, it is unclear whether these medical conditions were related to or contributed to her sudden passing. 

In response to this tragedy, Clark County School District Superintendent Dr. Jesus F. Jara released a statement acknowledging Ashari Hughes' death and expressing condolences for her friends, family, and loved ones.

"The loss of this young life deeply saddens us, and our thoughts are with the student's friends, family, and loved ones," the statement said. "When a tragedy occurs, it affects not only that school but the entire Clark County School District family, and we grieve with the students, staff, and families affected by this loss."