A bright future was cut tragically short as a rising high school junior, Callie Mitchell, lost her life while attending a cheer camp at Texas A&M University.

The 16-year-old, described as a ray of sunshine, was airlifted to Texas Children’s Hospital after a coach performed CPR on campus. Despite the valiant efforts to save her, Mitchell’s life came to a heartbreaking end.

Set to embark on her junior year at Morton Ranch High School in Katy, Texas, Mitchell’s promising journey took a devastating turn. Her parents received a call from a coach days before the tragedy, inquiring if Callie had any issues waking up that morning. Her mother, Michelle Donahue, adamantly stated that her daughter “never” had such problems.

Urgency gripped her parents as they rushed to the campus, only to find that CPR had been administered to their beloved daughter. Michelle Donahue expressed her gratitude to the coach, acknowledging that the opportunity to say goodbye would have been lost without their efforts.

Heartbreakingly, Mitchell’s father, Scott Donahue, revealed that his daughter had long QT syndrome, a cardiac conduction disorder that disrupts the heart’s electrical rhythm. Often inherited, this condition can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Scott believes that the condition likely triggered her cardiac arrest, underscoring the importance of early detection.

Notably, long QT syndrome can be detected through an electrocardiogram (EKG), a test not included in the standard athletic physicals provided to students in Texas. In light of their devastating loss, Mitchell’s father is passionately advocating for parents to ensure their children receive EKG screenings.

“For any other parents out there, you know they do physical tests every year. … EKGs are not part of a physical test. … Get an EKG,” Scott asserted, stressing the potential life-saving impact of this preventive measure.

Mitchell’s vibrant spirit shone through her love for cheering, a passion she embraced since the tender age of two. Described as someone who radiated positivity, she had an affinity for bringing smiles to others. Her obituary paints a vivid picture of her colorful personality, her love for family, friends, and even her French bulldogs. Mitchell’s devotion to her faith and her aspirations to become a child psychologist underscore her remarkable character.

Tragedy has struck, but in the midst of heartache, a mission emerges. Callie Mitchell’s story stands as a reminder that advocating for early detection and proactive health measures can save lives. As the community mourns the loss of this bright soul, her legacy serves as a call to action, urging parents to take an extra step in safeguarding their children’s well-being.