Gina Heslop
The promising future of Callie Mitchell, a vibrant and cheerful high school junior, was tragically cut short while she attended a cheer camp at Texas A&M University. The 16-year-old, known for her radiant personality, was airlifted to Texas Children’s Hospital after a coach performed CPR on the university campus. Despite the heroic efforts to save her, Callie’s life was tragically extinguished. Callie Mitchell was on the brink of her junior year at Morton Ranch High School in Katy, Texas, and her life took a devastating turn.
Her parents received a call from a coach a few days before the tragedy, asking if Callie had experienced any morning difficulties. Her mother, Michelle Donahue, firmly responded that her daughter had never faced such issues. With urgency, her parents rushed to the campus, only to discover that CPR had been administered to their beloved daughter.
Michelle Donahue expressed her gratitude to the coach, acknowledging that without their efforts, the chance to say goodbye would have been lost. Tragically, Callie Mitchell had long QT syndrome, a cardiac conduction disorder that disrupts the heart’s electrical rhythm and can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
Often hereditary, this condition can be life-threatening. Scott Donahue, Callie’s father, believes that long QT syndrome likely triggered her cardiac arrest, emphasizing the importance of early detection. Importantly, long QT syndrome can be identified through an electrocardiogram (EKG), a test that is not part of the standard athletic physicals provided to students in Texas.
In the wake of their heartbreaking loss, Scott passionately advocates for parents to ensure their children receive EKG screenings. “For any other parents out there, you know they do physical tests every year. … EKGs are not part of a physical test… Get an EKG,”
Scott emphasizes, highlighting the life-saving potential of this preventive measure. Callie Mitchell’s vibrant spirit was evident through her passion for cheerleading, an activity she cherished since the age of two. Described as a radiant force who spread positivity, she had a unique talent for bringing smiles to others. Her obituary paints a vivid portrait of her colorful personality, her deep love for family, friends, and even her French bulldogs. Callie’s commitment to her faith and her dream of becoming a child psychologist underscore her exceptional character.
Tragedy has cast its shadow, but amidst the heartache, a mission emerges. Callie Mitchell’s story serves as a reminder that advocating for early detection and proactive health measures can save lives. As the community mourns the loss of this bright soul, her legacy becomes a call to action, urging parents to take an additional step in safeguarding their children’s well-being.
