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12-year-old Alabama girl dies playing tug of war during school field day

Posted at 11:43 AM, May 20, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-20 11:43:13-04

PELL CITY, Ala. -- A 12-year-old girl collapsed and died after a game of tug of war during her school's field day activities.

Coaches and a school nurse at the Williams Intermediate School in Pell City, Alabama, tried to resuscitate the sixth-grader but were unsuccessful.

She was pronounced dead at a hospital a short time later.

The incident happened around noon Thursday.

The girl, whose name was not released, didn't appear to have any kind of health condition that may have led to her death, Pell City Police spokesman Don Newton told CNN affiliate WBRC.

The St. Clair County coroner's office said it wasn't releasing any information yet.

Field Day activities at the school were originally scheduled for Friday, but had been moved up a day to avoid the probability of rain.

Parent Amanda Garrett's daughter was on the opposing tug of war team. She told CNN affiliate WIAT her daughter heard the girl complain of a headache and dizziness before collapsing.

When asked if dehydration could have played a part in the girl's death, Newton said students had access to water and the staff made sure they were hydrated.

Pell City Schools had counselors at the school Friday.