13-year-old student dies after collapsing in gym class

FRASER, Mich. (WXYZ) - Students at Richards Middle School in Fraser are dealing with an unexpected loss following the death of an eighth grader who collapsed in gym class.

"The last thing I saw on her face was a smile," remembered Barb Arwood, Sharon's mother. She had given her daughter a hug before she watched her leave for school Thursday morning.

 Sharon Arwood, 13, was running the mile during gym class around 1:00 p.m. Thursday when she had some sort of medical situation. She collapsed at the school, and was rushed by paramedics to the local hospital where she passed away.

District officials tell 7 Action News they weren't aware of a prior medical condition. Sharon's parents, Robert and Barb, also said their daughter was healthy. She got a physical annually and was on the volleyball team the year before.

Sifting through her room, Sharon's parents laughed and cried with each memory their fingers ran across. Barb remembered the time Sharon went to Traverse City with her Girl Scout troop, while Robert played with Sharon's pet rat named Oreo. The room was the way Sharon left it Thursday morning, her beloved hair straightener still sitting on her dresser.

On Friday, students at Richards Middle School wore purple to remember Arwood and made signs, banners and buttons. Counselors were on hand to help students cope with the unexpected loss.

The district also sent parents a letter notifying them about the situation.

A Facebook page memorializing Arwood has received more than 600 "likes" by Friday afternoon.

Students are planning to hold a memorial vigil at Richards Middle School at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Later that evening at 7:00 p.m. a prayer service will be held at St. Athanasius Parish in Roseville.

People wanting to make donations to the "Sharon Arwood Memorial Fund" can do so at the St. Athanasius Church. It is located at 18720 E. 13 Mile in Roseville.