Brylie Northcutt collapsed while playing softball on Feb. 16

NEED TO KNOW

• A 15-year-old Russell County High School student collapsed during softball tryouts on Feb. 16
• The Russell County Coroner confirmed that Brylie Northcutt died of a pulmonary embolism
• “[We’re in] shock … Heartbroken for our softball team. For our school. Our parents,” said Russell County High School principal Shanna Tarter

A high school student has died after collapsing during softball tryouts in Kentucky.

On the afternoon of Feb. 16, Russell County High School student Brylie Northcutt experienced “trouble breathing” while playing softball in Russell Springs and collapsed on the field, WKYT and ABC36 News reported.

Northcutt, 15, was transported to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead later that day, according to the outlets.

Russell County Coroner Mark Coots confirmed to PEOPLE that Northcutt died from a pulmonary embolism. “At this point [this is] being considered as a natural death,” he said, adding, “Toxicological and histology still pending.”

A pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood clot blocks blood vessels in the lung, stopping blood flow to the arteries, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain and sharp pains when you breathe in deeply.

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Northcutt had been trying out for the high school softball team after playing at the middle school level, Russell County High School principal Shanna Tarter told WKYT. 

“Her coaches there are well-trained, started assisting her,” she said, per the outlet. “[We’re in] shock. Heartbroken. Heartbroken for our softball team. For our school. Our parents.”

Northcutt was a straight-A student, an active church member and played for the Lady Lakers Softball Team, according to an obituary.

The team said in a statement on Facebook, “At times like this, it’s hard to know the right words to say, all we can ask is please join us in lifting up Brylie’s family in prayer. We are forever honored to have her as a teammate and friend.”

Russell County students were dismissed from school early on Friday, Feb. 20, to attend Northcutt’s funeral, according to a Facebook post shared by the school.

“Please continue to remember Brylie’s loved ones, her softball teammates, and our entire school community in your thoughts and prayers,” Superintendent Michael A. Ford wrote. “On a personal note, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our entire community for your overwhelming support during this difficult time.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Northcutt’s family in covering funeral costs. The fundraiser has raised over $16,500 towards its $26,000 goal.

PEOPLE has reached out to Russell County High School for further comment.

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