16-year-old girl collapsed and died suddenly during flag football game after suffering a 'medical emergency'

A high school student collapsed and died suddenly during a flag football game in Nevada after suffering from chest problems.

Ashari Hughes experienced a "medical emergency" during her flag football game at Desert Oasis High School in Las Vegas on Thursday. In the middle of the game, the 16-year-old girl went to the sidelines to take a break after experiencing chest issues, according to a family member. Ashari then suddenly collapsed.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that registered nurse Aphelia Phifer-Hill allegedly ran onto the field to administer CPR on Hughes.

"Today was the first time ever, in my 26 years of nursing that I had to do CPR on a kid," Phifer-Hill wrote on Facebook.

A defibrillator was used to help Ashari regain a heartbeat, but the sophomore student never recovered and was pronounced dead at the St. Rose Dominican Hospital in Henderson.

The cause of Hughes' sudden death has yet to be revealed.

Desert Oasis High School Principal Ian Salzman announced Ashari's death in a letter to parents, "With deepest sympathy, I write to inform you of the recent passing of one of our students. It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that the student passed away. The school and the entire district mourn the loss of this young life."

Clark County School District (CCSD) Superintendent Dr. Jesus Jara said in a statement, "When a tragedy occurs, it affects not only that school but the entire Clark County School District family, and we grieve with the students, staff, and families affected by this loss."

A family member of Ashari informed KVVU-TV that the student-athlete was "experiencing ongoing heart problems and the family was consulting with a cardiologist." A doctor previously cleared Hughes to play sports. However, Ashari continued to have health issues, and the family was reportedly planning on discontinuing sports until her heart condition improved.

Fox News reported, "Thursday's game was going to be Hughes' last until her heart issues subsided, the family said. She was scheduled to have a doctor's appointment on Friday."

A GoFundMe was launched by the family.

"As a family, we are thankful. Ashari was 16 years old and was playing the game she loves, football," the crowdfunding campaign said. "Little did we know this would be her final sophomore game."

"She was passionate, loving, and determined," the GoFundMe said of Ashari. "She loved music, dancing, and bringing around all the people she loved. She called football the real love of her life! She loved hard and was loved by many. She will be missed by all of us."

The GoFundMe campaign raised more than $35,000 at the time of publication.

The teen's sudden death came just days after Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed on the field during Monday night's NFL game. Hamlin has made a miraculous recovery in recent days.

KLAS-TV news interviewed Desert Oasis High School students to get their reactions to the tragic and sudden death of Ashari Hughes.

Desert Oasis students share thoughts on student athlete's deathwww.youtube.com