Niamh Shackleton
A young girl has passed away after collapsing during her first day back at school.
Fourth grader Lucy Nash was just one of the many students to return to school on August 7 after the summer break.
Lucy attended Cairo Elementary in Henderson, Kentucky, and what should have been a fun-filled day for the nine-year-old ended in tragedy.
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During recess, Lucy suffered a 'cardiac event' and was rushed to Riley Children’s Hospital.
The nine-year-old went on to be declared brain dead by medical experts due to the amount of time her brain went without oxygen following her collapse.
Lucy remained in hospital for a five days after the devastating incident where her family stayed by her side. She then died on August 12.
In a moving post made public on Lucy's father's Facebook page, Ryan Nash, he described his daughter as a 'sister, lover, catcher, reader, cartwheeler, naturalist, singer, LEGO master builder, child of god, and friend of anyone'.
"We got 9 years, 56 days of abundant, joyous, carefree and compassionate life together," the post continued. "And despite the unexplainable agony, I’m glad for every hour.
"Because of the tireless work of the staff at Riley, Deaconess Gateway and Henderson Hospitals, EMTs and teachers we got five days to hold Lucy’s hand, sing her favorite songs, read and finish her bedtime book, and love and care for our wonderful fourth grader."
As it stands, what caused Lucy to collapse remains unclear.
Following her death, a GoFundMe page has been set up in her honor by her step-father's sister. At the time of writing, over $9,400 has been raised.
Elsewhere, the family have started a campaign called 'Pinkies Up For Lucy' to remember Lucy by, where people have been asked to wear pink.
Her father wrote online: "We don’t have arrangements yet. We don’t have information on who Lucy will be helping yet. We want all of the community who has surrounded her with so much love and prayer to mourn, and thank god for her life with us. Wear your brightest pink #PinkiesUp4Lucy."
According to local news outlets, Lucy's organs will be donated to those in need.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.