16-Year-Old Seemed Fine on Christmas Day, Then Her Heart Stopped

Sixteen-year-old Scarlett Durden collapsed at home on Dec. 25 after opening presents and was later pronounced dead; hospital staff told her mother it appeared to be sudden cardiac death and an autopsy is pending.

A 16-year-old girl, Scarlett Durden, collapsed at her home in Piedmont, Alabama, on Dec. 25 shortly after opening Christmas presents. Her mother and younger sister were present, and the family was FaceTiming with Scarlett’s father, who was hospitalized and awaiting a heart transplant. Janice Durden called 911 and family members attempted resuscitation before emergency crews transported Scarlett to the hospital. Medical staff were unable to revive her, and her mother was later told it appeared to be a sudden cardiac death; an autopsy is pending and may take months. Known details: - The incident occurred on Dec. 25 in Piedmont, Alabama, and involved 16-year-old Scarlett Durden. - The family was FaceTiming with Scarlett’s father, who has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and is awaiting a heart transplant, and the family has a history of heart-related deaths. - Scarlett was found unresponsive after leaving the room; her mother called 911 and family members performed CPR before emergency responders took her to the hospital. - Hospital staff informed the family it appeared to be sudden cardiac death and an autopsy has been requested; a funeral is scheduled for Jan. 3. Summary: The Durden family is grieving the sudden loss of Scarlett, and officials reported the death as appearing to be sudden cardiac death. An autopsy is pending and may take months to offer further clarity, and a funeral is scheduled for Jan. 3.