ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — UPDATE, 12/6/17, 3:21 p.m.: Preliminary findings from the Medical Examiner's Office show 13-year-old Paris Byrd's death was due to natural causes due to a congenital disease.
The Medical Examiner ruled her manner of death as "natural" due to congenital disease and the cause of death as hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, or an enlarged heart.
Original story below:
Overcome with emotion Erika Lowe shared with Action News Jax what made her daughter Paris Byrd special, and the pain of losing her.
“She was just a smart, intelligent girl, just an angel,” says Lowe of the teen.
Lowe told Action News Jax reporter Beth Rousseau she was at work when she got a phone call from Murray Middle School saying Paris was unresponsive and not breathing.
The mother of the teen who passed away suddenly at an after school sports activity spoke with @BethANJax about her family, children, and the loss of her daughter: https://t.co/OhPTEYPA65 pic.twitter.com/CUc0mYoMlX
— ActionNewsJax (@ActionNewsJax) December 6, 2017
MORE: St. Johns deputies: Teen girl dies after collapsing in Murray Middle School gym
The mother wants answers about what caused the teen to collapse in the gym during basketball tryouts.
Paris was one of six children.
With the help of her tight knit family of support, Lowe is holding on to memories of her daughter.
“Without them I would be nothing, literally. I’m thankful for all the support last night because I was no good, because that’s my baby," Lowe said.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to assist the family with funeral costs.
This amazingly kind family invited me into their home to share memories about Paris Byrd, less than 24 hours after her death. Praying they have strength during this devastating time. https://t.co/IkHeSY0PBq
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) December 6, 2017
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