A 14-year-old girl, Amari Crite, died after collapsing during a basketball game at Momence High School in Illinois on Thursday, January 25, 2024. The cause of her death is still under investigation by the Kankakee County Coroner’s Office.
A Tragic Loss for the Community
Amari Crite was a freshman at Momence High School and a member of the girls’ basketball and volleyball teams. She was playing in a junior varsity game against Tri-Point High School when she collapsed on the court as she was heading back to the defensive end. She was rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The news of her death shocked and saddened the Momence community, as well as the neighboring districts and the sports community. The superintendent of Momence Community School District, Shannon Anderson, released a statement on Friday morning, expressing his condolences and offering support to the affected families and friends.
A girls high school basketball player reportedly collapsed and died this week in Illinois.
— “Sudden And Unexpected” (@toobaffled) January 28, 2024
According to multiple reports, 14-year-old Amari Crite died on Thursday after collapsing on the court while playing a home game at Momence High School.
The Daily Journal reports that… pic.twitter.com/uf7c45GJlS
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of our 9th-grade students on January 25, 2024,” Anderson said. “Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this tragic loss.”
Anderson also said that the district would provide mental health and counseling services to the students, staff, and the broader school community in the coming days and weeks to help them cope with the emotional impact of the tragedy.
“Our primary focus right now is on supporting one another and providing the necessary resources for our community to cope with this loss,” Anderson added. “We are deeply thankful to neighboring districts and the mental health and grief counseling providers in the Kankakee County area that have volunteered their services to assist our community during this time.”
The Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office also shared their condolences in a Facebook post: “The Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office with the Momence School District during this difficult time. Friends, family and classmates are all in our prayers. We will all remain #RedskinStrong.”
A GoFundMe Page to Help the Family
On Friday morning, Amari Crite’s family created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for her funeral expenses. The page described Amari as a “precious baby girl” who loved basketball and volleyball. The page also asked for prayers and donations from anyone who could help.
“As some if not all of you may know our precious baby girl passed away last night January 25 when she collapsed at her basketball game. We are asking for any and everyone to help us give her the proper home going she deserves. No amount too small no amount too big. And most of all we need prayer!” the page read.
The page received an overwhelming response from the public, as more than 440 donations raised $27,940, exceeding the family’s $15,000 goal. Many donors also left heartfelt messages of sympathy and support for the family.
“I am so sorry for your loss. Amari was such a sweet and talented girl. She will be missed by many. Praying for you and your family,” one donor wrote.
“Amari was a beautiful young lady with a bright future ahead of her. She touched so many lives with her smile and her spirit. My heart goes out to her family and friends. Rest in peace, Amari,” another donor wrote.
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A Tribute to Amari Crite
Amari Crite was remembered as a loving, kind, and talented girl who had a passion for sports and life. She was a star player on both the basketball and volleyball teams, and a friend to many. She had a bright future ahead of her, and her death left a void in the hearts of those who knew her.
Her basketball coach, Jeff Brooks, said that Amari was a joy to coach and a leader on the team. He said that she always gave her best effort and encouraged her teammates. He also said that she had a great personality and a positive attitude.
“She was a great kid. She was always smiling, always laughing, always having fun,” Brooks said. “She was a hard worker, a great teammate, and a great person. She was one of those kids that you just loved to be around.”
Her volleyball coach, Kelly Dwyer, said that Amari was a gifted athlete and a wonderful person. She said that Amari was a versatile player who could play any position on the court. She also said that Amari was a respectful and humble student who always listened and learned.
“She was an amazing young lady. She was so talented, so smart, so respectful,” Dwyer said. “She was a pleasure to coach and to teach. She was a role model for everyone. She was just a beautiful soul.”
Her classmates and friends also paid tribute to Amari on social media, sharing their memories and photos of her. They described her as a fun-loving, caring, and loyal friend who always made them laugh and smile. They said that they would miss her dearly and cherish the time they spent with her.
“You were such a beautiful person inside and out. You always made me laugh and smile. You were always there for me. You were my best friend. I love you so much, Amari. Rest in peace, angel,” one friend wrote on Instagram.
“You were such a joy to be around. You always had a positive vibe and a kind heart. You were always supportive and helpful. You were my sister. I love you forever, Amari. Fly high, baby girl,” another friend wrote on Facebook.
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A Reminder of the Fragility of Life
The sudden and tragic death of Amari Crite has shaken the Momence community and beyond. It has also reminded everyone of the fragility and preciousness of life. It has urged everyone to cherish every moment and every person they have in their lives.
As the Momence community mourns the loss of Amari, they also celebrate her life and legacy. They honor her memory by supporting her family and friends, and by living with gratitude and compassion. They hope that her spirit will live on in their hearts and minds.
Amari Crite was a young basketball player who collapsed and died at Momence High School on Thursday, January 25, 2024. She was a beloved daughter, sister, friend, student, and athlete. She was a bright light that shone in the lives of many. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
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