14-Year-Old Illinois Girl Dies While Playing a Basketball Game at School

A young girl passed away during a sports activity at school. In the wake of her untimely death, those dear to her, whose lives she has impacted, have paid tribute in her honor.

A news report revealed that on January 25, 2024, a freshman at Momence Community High School named Amari Crite, the daughter of Michelle and Anthony Crite, died during a basketball game.

She reportedly collapsed and died on the scene during the JV game against Tri-Point. The 14-year-old was heading to the defensive end of the basketball court when she collapsed.

Grief counselors went to the school the next day to assist fellow students deal with her death. Momence Superintendent Shannon Anderson issued a statement following the devastating news, which read:

"Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this tragic loss."

Anderson further explained that the well-being of the students, including the staff and the broader community, is their main priority at this point. Mental health and counseling will also be offered to those still struggling with the loss in the coming weeks. The cause of Amari's death is reportedly unknown. According to the Kankakee County Coroner's Office, it is still pending.

Kankakee County Sheriff's Office paid homage to Amari on Facebook, saying they stand with the school during this difficult time and that all her family, friends, and classmates are in their prayers. "We will all remain #RedskinStrong," the message read.

The Momence Junior Redskins Association, which is the Youth Football and Cheerleading League, remembered Amari on Facebook. They expressed heartfelt condolences to her loved ones while asking followers to keep her family in their thoughts and prayers.

Following the news of Amari's passing, her mother created a GoFundMe page. Michelle asked anyone to donate whatever they could afford to give her "precious" daughter a better send-off.

Moreover, she asked they keep her family in their prayers and that details about Amari's services would be announced in due course. Three hours after Michelle posted, the fundraiser surpassed its goal of $15,000. As of this writing, people have raised over $50,000 for the Crite family.

A day after Amari passed away, Michelle updated her Facebook profile picture by uploading her child's picture. "My baby," she wrote on January 27, 2024. Days later, her husband Anthony also paid tribute to their daughter by sharing a video of them, penning, "I miss my silly girl. #AmariStrong."

Anthony also shared another post about Amari on his page. He posted a photo of her holding flowers and a teddy bear while beaming beside a little boy.

The proud father explained the boy had been turned down by his Valentine, and so his mother told him to ask the most beautiful girl on the volleyball team, and he chose Amari.

Amari also positively impacted the life of a woman named Mary Williams. Mary, who works at Bible Witness Camp, grieved for her on Facebook. She shared a life lesson Amari taught her while attending summer camp.

"When the bell rings at BWC summer camp, it means to stop what you're doing and line up for the next activity. Through the years, when that bell rang, Amari was always one of the first to run and get in line," Mary revealed.

She recalled one summer camp day when they rang the bell, and Amari got in line as usual with a few other campers. However, most of the campers at the time ignored the bell and continued playing.

The bell rang for the second time, and they still ignored the signal. The third time around, they were called out and told the activities could only begin once they obliged, yet they continued disregarding the rules.

Mary further recounted, "After waiting patiently for quite a few minutes, Amari, who hardly ever raised her voice, yelled out to them: "'JUST OBEY ALREADY!! IT'S NOT THAT HARD!!'"

Mary said Amari was right. Since that day, Mary gained a new perspective, all thanks to the young girl. She admits that Amari's voice still lingers in her head whenever she attempts to do things her own way. Mary hoped that those who knew and adored Amari would take the life lesson to heart.

Read more about a little girl who passed away a day before what would have been her first day at elementary school.