Published: September 26, 2008 10:35 pm         

Turkey Run student dies of undetected heart defect

The death of a Turkey Run Elementary School student who would have turned 11 Friday is being blamed on a rare, undetected heart defect.

According to a media release issued by the Parke County Sheriff’s Department, Sydnea Renee George, 10, collapsed outside the Turkey Run Elementary School nurse’s office Wednesday en route to having her blood sugar checked because of diabetes.

School personnel called 911 and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation until an ambulance arrived, according to the release.

George was taken to West Central Community Hospital in Clinton, where she was pronounced dead after about 21/2 hours of attempted resuscitation.

According to the release, autopsy results showed George’s death was caused by the heart defect and not the diabetes.