Lisa Salberg
11-22-2005, 03:13 PM
High School Swimmer Collapses, Dies
School Officials Not Sure What Caused Teen's Death
POSTED: 10:03 am EST November 22, 2005
HOWELL, Mich. -- A 15-year-old high school varsity swimmer died Monday after suffering a seizure at a school pool, according to a newspaper report.
Mackenzie Watts, a sophomore at Howell High School, suffered a seizure just before 3:30 p.m. at the school's aquatic center during a noncompetitive relay session, The Livingston Daily reported. An ambulance was immediately called to the scene and medical personnel tried to resuscitate the girl using a heart defibrillator, according to school Superintendent Chuck Breiner in the paper's report.
Watts was transported to St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital in Howell, where she was pronounced dead, according to the report.
Breiner was unaware of any pre-existing health conditions for Watts, but said she recently had the flu.
"She was the hardest-working kid in the pool," said coach Zachary Kasprzak.
Kasprzak said the team was celebrating a winning season and were doing fun relays on the final day of swim season when Watts suffered a seizure.
Watts had been a varsity swimmer at the school for two years, and was also a member of the Howell Sea Serpents, another competitive swimming team.
Teammates met Monday night to share stories about Watts, the paper reported.
Grief counseling was expected to be available to students Tuesday and Wednesday, and on Monday after the weekend holiday.
"This has obviously affected our school community, especially our athletic program, and especially members of the girls varsity swim team," said Breiner. "We're all in shock at this young lady's passing."
School Officials Not Sure What Caused Teen's Death
POSTED: 10:03 am EST November 22, 2005
HOWELL, Mich. -- A 15-year-old high school varsity swimmer died Monday after suffering a seizure at a school pool, according to a newspaper report.
Mackenzie Watts, a sophomore at Howell High School, suffered a seizure just before 3:30 p.m. at the school's aquatic center during a noncompetitive relay session, The Livingston Daily reported. An ambulance was immediately called to the scene and medical personnel tried to resuscitate the girl using a heart defibrillator, according to school Superintendent Chuck Breiner in the paper's report.
Watts was transported to St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital in Howell, where she was pronounced dead, according to the report.
Breiner was unaware of any pre-existing health conditions for Watts, but said she recently had the flu.
"She was the hardest-working kid in the pool," said coach Zachary Kasprzak.
Kasprzak said the team was celebrating a winning season and were doing fun relays on the final day of swim season when Watts suffered a seizure.
Watts had been a varsity swimmer at the school for two years, and was also a member of the Howell Sea Serpents, another competitive swimming team.
Teammates met Monday night to share stories about Watts, the paper reported.
Grief counseling was expected to be available to students Tuesday and Wednesday, and on Monday after the weekend holiday.
"This has obviously affected our school community, especially our athletic program, and especially members of the girls varsity swim team," said Breiner. "We're all in shock at this young lady's passing."