Parents of 15-year-old who died after collapsing at volleyball practice sues Atlanta hospital, alleging delayed medical response

ATLANTA — The family of 15‑year‑old Amanda “Mandy” Sylvester has filed a lawsuit against Grady Memorial Hospital Corporation and Grady EMS, alleging that severe ambulance delays contributed to her death after she collapsed during a College Park volleyball practice in December 2024. For her parents, the lawsuit represents a push for accountability. Now, they say they want answers about why help never arrived.

Lawsuit Says No Ambulance Arrived After 911 Calls

According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the first 911 call came in just after 6 p.m. at the Tracey Wyatt Recreation Center. The family alleges that no ambulance ever arrived, despite repeated calls for help. After waiting nearly 45 minutes, Mandy’s mother drove her to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where doctors revived her after her heart stopped. She died later that evening.

The lawsuit claims Grady EMS failed to send an ambulance or request mutual aid, even though it was the area’s exclusive emergency provider.

Attorney Ben Crump Says Amanda Sylvester’s Family Lost “Precious Minutes”

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the family, said Mandy lost “precious minutes” because no ambulance was available. He argued that Grady EMS should have notified the family sooner and sought assistance from another agency.

Mandy’s mother said she listened to her daughter struggle in the car as she drove through heavy traffic. “By the time I got back inside, she was in cardiac arrest,” she said during a news conference.

Amanda Sylvester’s Family Says Mandy Was Thriving in School and Sports

Mandy’s father described her as “beautiful, caring, intelligent, fun,” and said she excelled both academically and athletically. He said she was on track to become valedictorian and was “soaring on the volleyball court.”

“She was everything you could ask for from a daughter,” he said.

Grady Responds to Lawsuit

Grady Health System told FOX 5 Atlanta it is aware of the lawsuit and intends to respond through the legal process. The hospital said federal and state privacy laws limit what it can disclose about patient care.