Emma Aronson: Sudden Pool Death Of Athlete Shocks Missouri Community

Emma Aronson suddenly collapsed and died at a swimming pool while hanging out with her friends. The 17-year-old athlete was reportedly “racing” against her boyfriend and friends in the pool at the time of her death on Friday.

Friends of the athlete attempted to revive her after she collapsed and suddenly died while resting on the side of the pool in Lee’s Summit.

“She was done racing and she just resting on edge of pool,” Jason Aronson, the teen’s father, told ABC News, “She said I feel so tired… then she just passed out.”

“There was nothing they could do,” Emma’s mother, Laura Aronson, told KCTV. “It was nobody’s fault. We believe that her heart gave out.”

Emma Aronson did not reportedly have any history of heart problems. First responders were called to the Missouri pool about 9:45 p.m. Aronson was rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short time later. Emergency room staff believe that Emma died of heart arrhythmia, but are unsure of what prompted the teen athletes heart rate to “malfunction,” according to KCTV.

The Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office has reportedly scheduled an autopsy of Emma Aronson’s body to determine the exact cause of death. Cleveland Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program at University Hospitals Case Medical Center Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute Director Sahil Parikh said when teenagers suddenly die from cardiac-related issues, the death could be due to “problems with pumping, electrical function, or blockages in the arteries.” Dr. Parikh also said that such deaths in teens is rare. Typically, youth athletes are not reportedly screened for heart disease unless a history of cardiac issues is present in the family.

Laura Aronson said her daughter was a “competitor” with a “lively spirit.” She was a member of the high school varsity basketball team.

“She was a tomboy at heart and hung out with the boys and gave them a run for her money,” the grieving mother added. “She was the most beautiful daughter anybody could ever ask for. Every second of every day she made people smile. She was encouraging. She was on fire for God. She loved the Lord. She was very passionate about helping other teens, leading them to Christ.”

Emma’s younger sister, Ellie, lovingly deemed her sibling a “big prankster.”

Emma Aronson had plans of becoming a nurse after finishing high school. In honor of that goal, her parents decided to donate their daughter’s organs. The loving donation can help save or improve the lives of up to 50 people.

[Image via: submitted to KCTV5]