College Park volleyball player collapses, dies: Grady EMS gives timeline of requested response

COLLEGE PARK, Ga. - Grady EMS is offering more insights into why an ambulance never arrived at a call for a 15-year-old volleyball player who collapsed during warmups at the Tracey Wyatt Recreation Complex on Dec. 5.

The teen, whose name has not been released, was preparing for a practice session with the Dream Chasers Volleyball Club when she showed signs of physical distress and collapsed on the court. Staff from College Park Parks & Recreation, along with volleyball club coaches and other adults, provided immediate assistance, according to city officials.

Emergency responders from College Park Fire Rescue arrived shortly after 911 calls were made just after 6 p.m. The city said paramedics stabilized the teen, who was alert and speaking at the time. However, a requested ambulance from Grady EMS did not arrive, despite multiple follow-up calls to the dispatch service.

In a statement, Grady EMS clarified the sequence of events, attributing the delay to their initial categorization of the call. "Upon receiving the initial call, our team assessed the situation based on the limited information the College Park communications center provided," the statement read. "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."

Ambulances parked outside Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. (Eli Jordan, FOX 5 Atlanta / FOX 5 Atlanta)

Grady EMS said this assessment followed standard protocols aimed at prioritizing emergency resources efficiently. At the time of the call, a College Park Fire Rescue unit staffed with two advanced emergency medical technicians was already en route and equipped to provide medical care and transport if necessary, Grady EMS stated.

After a second 911 call provided additional information about the teen’s medical history and condition, Grady EMS upgraded the situation to high acuity and dispatched an ambulance. By the time the ambulance arrived, the fire department had canceled the response because the teen had been transported to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding Hospital by her mother.

The teen, who reportedly had chronic health conditions, suffered cardiac failure at the hospital. Medical staff were able to revive her once, but she later died despite continued efforts.

Dr. Emmanuel Adediran, College Park’s city manager, expressed sorrow over the loss. "We are all devastated by this tragic loss at such a young age," he said, commending the swift actions of the recreation staff, fire rescue personnel, and volleyball club coaches.

Grady EMS acknowledged the public’s concerns and pledged to collaborate with partner agencies to improve response efforts. "We understand the concerns that can arise during emergencies, and we want to reassure the public that the safety and well-being of the communities we serve is always our top priority," the statement said.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to conduct a full autopsy to determine the official cause of death. The investigation into the incident will continue.