A 14-year-old girl who died after collapsing at a cricket club in Cornwall has been named as Amélia Jones. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, she passed away in hospital.
Emergency services, including an air ambulance, were called to Grampound Road Cricket Club near St Austell after reports that the girl had collapsed. She was taken to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, where she later died following the incident on Thursday evening.
Family Tribute to 'Deeply Loved' Amélia
Her family have paid tribute, saying Amélia "loved netball and cricket and had so many interests and little things that made her wonderfully and uniquely Amélia". On a fundraising page, her uncle, Sean Jones, said: "There are no words that can truly express the heartbreak of losing a child. Amélia was a deeply loved daughter, sister, friend, and the cherished twin of Charlotte. She had the most beautiful smile and brought so much happiness to the people around her."
Amélia's love for sport "was a huge part of her life" and she had captained the Cornwall Girls Under-14s against Glamorgan just last week. Mr Jones said the achievement "reflected her talent, confidence and determination". Amélia was also academically gifted, studying Grade 8 piano and Grade 5 clarinet.
Organ Donation and Fundraising
Following her death, her family decided to donate her organs to help other families in pain. Mr Jones said: "Her passing has left an unimaginable void in the lives of everyone who knew and loved her." The uncle is now fundraising to support Amélia's parents, who are both self-employed.
The fundraising page reads: "With no employment benefits or financial safety net to fall back on, the family is facing significant financial pressure at a time when their focus should simply be on grieving and being together. We are raising funds to help with Amélia’s funeral expenses and to ease some of the family’s immediate financial burden in the weeks and months ahead."
The page has already raised almost £12,000 from more than 260 donations, with any extra funds to be donated to charity.
Cricket Club Statement
Grampound Cricket Club said Amélia's collapse is believed to be related to a medical incident, not connected to cricket. They said: "It is with profound sadness that Grampound Road Cricket Club can confirm a tragic incident took place on Thursday evening. A teenage girl collapsed and was taken to hospital, but has now sadly died. This is believed to be a medical incident not connected to cricket."
The club chair Lewis Sanders added: "Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her family, friends and everyone who knew and loved her at this unimaginably difficult time. We will respect the family’s privacy and ask others to do the same. We would also like to thank all those who responded on Thursday evening, particularly those who provided immediate first aid and the emergency services including the Cornwall Air Ambulance."
