HERMITAGE Cause of death is sought after girl collapses at school

Ashley Bryan had no history of serious illness and hadn't complained to school personnel that she was ill.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- A 13-year-old Hermitage Middle School girl, described as a "wonderful student," collapsed in the school library and later died in Sharon Regional Health System.
Authorities said Ashley Ann Bryan, an eighth-grader and the daughter of the Rev. Gary and Sandra Bryan of Pine Hollow Boulevard, hadn't complained of feeling ill before collapsing around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.
"No adult knew anything was wrong," Superintendent Karen Ionta said.
Teachers went to her aid immediately and tried to revive her as did Hermitage police, who were called to the scene.
Police said they used an automated external defibrillator in an effort to revive the child.
An ambulance crew also worked to revive her, but she was pronounced dead in Sharon Regional at 9:52 a.m., said J. Bradley McGonigle, Mercer County coroner.
An autopsy was being performed and preliminary results were expected today, he said.
"We don't suspect any foul play," McGonigle said, adding that Ashley had no history of serious illness.
"She just collapsed at school," he said.
Counseling team
Ionta said the district immediately activated its crisis team and enlisted the aid of counselors from other surrounding school districts as well as Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission to meet with both pupils and teachers at the middle school.
Counselors visited all seventh- and eighth-grade classrooms and were to do the same again today, she said.
"My heart goes out to the parents of that little girl," said Ionta, adding that she knew Ashley.
"She was a delightful young lady -- bright, articulate -- just a wonderful, wonderful student," Ionta said, noting Ashley was involved in Academic Game pursuits. She was a member of the school's gifted program.
The Bryan family has done a lot for the school district, Ionta said, explaining that Ashley's parents have funded an after-school program at their church, The Shenango Valley Church of God, on Pine Hollow Boulevard for years.
Many Hermitage pupils go there, Ionta said.
Ashley's funeral arrangements are being handled by Sample & amp; O'Donnell Funeral Home, Sharon.