Carroll ISD student drowns at aquatics center

SOUTHLAKE, Texas - A Carroll ISD student died after being pulled from the water during a swim team practice Monday morning.

CISD Officials said the North Texas Natadores were swimming at the aquatics center on the Carroll Senior High School campus when some of the swimmers noticed that 13-year-old Elise Cerami needed assistance.

One of the team's coaches performed CPR until paramedics arrived. Cerami was taken to the hospital. She later died, according to the medical examiner's office.

Carroll ISD said there were 24 students in the pool at the time of the incident with two coaches instructing them. Cerami was a member of the NTN Navy Elite team and she would have been a freshman at the high school in the fall.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of Elise’s passing and ask that you pray for her family, friends and fellow NTN team members,” the district said.

The district also released a statement on behalf of the girl’s family.

"Elise was doing what she loved to do -- what she was passionate about," said David Cerami, her father. "She loves the NTN family; she loves being a Dragon. The support has just been overwhelming. We send our best wishes to Coach Bill for a full recovery, and thank him, all the other students and staff who helped respond and do everything they could to try to help and save Elise."

Coach Bill Christensen, the coach who administered CPR, was taken to hospital after the incident with symptoms of a heart attack. He is reportedly doing well after surgery.

"We are just heartbroken as we mourn the loss of this child. This is the worst kind of news you hear as a parent and educator,” said Carroll Superintendent David J. Faltys. "The Dragon swim family is a tight group and will come together to support one another, as well as the Cerami and Christenson families."

The pool will be closed on Tuesday and a swim meet scheduled for Wednesday was also canceled. The district will make grief counselors available to help the students and coaches.