The family of a Clayton County student-athlete who died from heat stroke this past summer during outdoor basketball practice in temperatures in the upper 90s spoke out Saturday after the recent release of autopsy results.
Imani Bell’s family said the medical examination conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation backed up their suspicions that weather played a role in the 16-year-old’s death.
“The report confirms what we knew in the beginning, that Imani’s death was caused by her being directed to exercise outside in extremely dangerous temperatures,” a statement from the family said. “Unfortunately for the family, the report brings up many unanswered questions regarding who knew what and when.
“Imani’s death was completely avoidable and for the sake of all of the other children in the county, we are going to make sure all of our questions are answered,” the family said. “We are thankful to have finally received the report, however, and we will continue to push for justice for Imani.”
The GBI ruled her death an accident, and concluded hyperthermia, acute renal failure and rhabdomyolysis caused Imani's death, according to the autopsy.
Imani was a member of the basketball team at Clayton’s Elite Scholars Academy. She was also a dual student at Clayton State University, earning college credit while completing her high school requirements.
The family has said it may pursue a lawsuit against Clayton County Schools because of her death.
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