The tragic incident, which occurred at the Tracey Wyatt Recreation Complex, has raised concerns about delays in emergency response.

Amanda Sylvester, a teen athlete, tragically died after experiencing physical distress during a volleyball practice at the Tracey Wyatt Recreation Complex in College Park.

The 15-year-old collapsed while warming up with her volleyball team, the Dream Chasers Volleyball Club, on December 5, 2024. First responders from the College Park Fire Department and other emergency services provided immediate assistance to the teenager, who was conscious at the time.

However, for over an hour, an ambulance from Grady Emergency Medical Services (EMS) reportedly did not arrive despite multiple calls. The teen was eventually transported by her mother to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where she experienced cardiac failure. Although she was briefly revived, she later passed away.

Dream Chasers Volleyball Club’s Catherine Murray has referred to the ambulance delay as “unacceptable,” adding, ” We have precious lives in our hands, and we’re responsible for these precious lives. We have to have a better network and system to protect these kids.”

Dr. Emmanuel Adediran, College Park’s city manager, emphasized that the Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, College Park Fire Rescue, and volleyball club coaches, parents, and staff followed all protocols for handling health emergencies. He also mourned the demise of Sylvester, “We are all devastated by this tragic loss of life at such a young age.”

City officials are investigating the failure of the ambulance to arrive and provide further trauma care and transportation. They also penned in their condolences, “Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies go out to the young woman’s family, friends, and teammates.”

Grady EMS has said in a statement that the initial call to them was categorized as low severity and managed by a College Park Fire unit equipped to provide care and transport. Nevertheless, after an update, the call was escalated, and a Grady EMS unit was dispatched.

The services added, “However, as our unit was en route, College Park Fire determined that additional EMS support was no longer needed due to the patient being transported to the hospital via personal vehicle. “

As per a 2022 investigation, Grady EMS’s average response times for critical calls ranged from 22 to 29 minutes, while non-urgent calls often took 46 to 89 minutes.

Furthermore, in 2023, a former College Park Fire Department chief highlighted that outdated regulations governing ambulance services contribute to delays. The delays make paramedics and patients like Sylvester wait, sometimes up to an hour, for state-authorized transport from Grady EMS.

Dream Chasers Volleyball Club are now mourning their teammate and friend, whom they referred to as “sweet.” They also wrote, “Amanda was a bright light, not just in our gym, but in the lives of everyone she encountered. We are honored to have encountered such an amazing young spirit! This is personal. Join us in our fight for Justice for Amanda. #justiceforAmanda.”

The team posted a GoFundMe link to ask people to support Sylvester and her family during this difficult time. They shared, “Amanda was more than just a player—she was family to us. When Amanda needed support the most, help never came. We are determined to stand in the gap and ensure her story is heard. We will not let her loss be in vain.”

The funds raised will go to giving Sylvester a befitting sendoff. It will cater for legal fees, funeral arrangements, and anything her family will require as they mourn the volleyballer.

“Together, we can honor Amanda’s memory and work to ensure no other young athlete or family has to endure such a tragedy. Thank you for standing with us during this difficult time,” the club noted.

As the volleyball team prepares to honor their friend, Grady EMS has pledged to address concerns about emergency response times. The agency emphasized its commitment to community safety and collaboration with partner agencies to ensure resources are appropriately deployed in every unique situation.