Evansville, Indiana — The child, age 7, collapsed unexpectedly during an after-school program and never returned home. What began as an ordinary afternoon at a local enrichment center ended in tragedy, leaving the family and community in shock and grief.

The incident took place at Potter’s Wheel, a nonprofit after-school care facility, where the young student was attending its regular programming. According to staff and family statements, she collapsed inside the building and did not regain consciousness.

Employees of the program immediately attempted life-saving measures and called 911, but paramedics pronounced the child dead upon arrival. The facility’s personnel say they acted quickly, administering CPR before emergency services reached the location.

The family says they are now desperate for answers as to what caused such a sudden collapse. The coroner informed them that the child had an enlarged heart, but a full autopsy is pending and could take several weeks to return conclusive results.

The child’s mother voiced the family’s heartbreak: “She never came back home,” she said. The community has rallied around the parents, offering sympathy and support in the days following the loss.

Loved ones described the child as bright, energetic, and full of promise. She enjoyed drawing, dancing, skating, and often made social media videos. Her outgoing personality and zest for life have been recalled fondly by relatives and friends.

In a statement, Potter’s Wheel acknowledged the devastating loss and expressed sorrow. They said staff are “heartbroken at the sudden loss” of a child they had come to care for, and pledged cooperation with authorities in the investigation.

To assist the family with funeral expenses, the program has launched a dedicated fundraising effort, pledging that 100 percent of contributions will go toward supporting the child’s remembrance. Donations poured in as the wider Evansville community sought ways to provide help.

Local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse and death. They are examining medical history, conduct at the facility, and whether any warning signs were overlooked. Officials emphasize that the results of the autopsy will be vital in determining the cause.

As the family grieves, many in Evansville reflect on the fragility of life and the anguish of losing a child without warning. The community awaits answers, hoping that the investigation will bring clarity—and that steps can be taken to prevent such tragedies from striking again.

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