An initial autopsy did not establish why 11-year-old Emanuela Datsa collapsed after a Peachtree Middle School basketball practice.
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The family of an 11-year-old Peachtree Middle School student is seeking answers after the sixth-grader collapsed following a school basketball practice and later died, with an initial autopsy failing to determine a cause.
Emanuela Datsa suffered the medical emergency Sept. 9 after basketball practice at the Dunwoody school. Her father, Selom Datsa, said she had no known underlying health conditions and had not complained of pain before collapsing. The family is waiting for additional medical testing in hopes of learning what caused her sudden death.
Datsa said the practice had taken place indoors and was not especially strenuous. He said the students were working on shooting rather than performing demanding conditioning drills. Before collapsing, Emanuela told those around her that she felt unusual and did not feel right, according to her father.
The initial autopsy did not provide an immediate explanation for the death. No official cause had been announced as of Friday, and the available reports did not identify a timetable for when additional testing might be completed. The absence of a finding has left the family grieving while also trying to understand what happened.
Emanuela was a sixth-grade student at Peachtree Middle School. Her family described her as active and affectionate, with interests that included basketball, singing and dancing. Her father said she was known for offering kindness to people whether she knew them well or not.
The DeKalb County School District said the school community was mourning the student’s death. Grief counselors were made available to students and staff members at Peachtree Middle School as classmates, teachers and employees dealt with the loss.
The death drew attention in the Dunwoody community soon after the medical emergency. A fundraiser organized by Emanuela’s sister was created to help the family with funeral expenses and other costs. The family described the loss as sudden and difficult to process.
Emanuela is survived by her parents, two older sisters and a younger brother, according to family accounts. Her father said the family members have been grieving in different ways as they adjust to her absence.
For now, the central question surrounding Emanuela’s death remains unanswered. Her family is awaiting further medical testing after the inconclusive initial autopsy, while Peachtree Middle School continues to provide support to students and staff affected by the loss.
Author note: Last updated September 18, 2026.