7-Year-Old Girl Dies After ‘Unexpectedly' Falling Ill at Suburban Cheer Camp

A 7-year-old girl has died after suddenly falling ill while at a suburban cheer camp Monday, officials said.

The second grader was taking part in the Summer Cheer Camp at Maine South High School, along with other girls ranging in age from second to fifth grade, when she “became ill unexpectedly” during the morning hours, according to a statement from District 207. 

She was transported by the Park Ridge Fire Department to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, where school officials said she passed away that afternoon.

The young girl was identified as Katherine (Kate) Babich, a student at Field Elementary School in Park Ridge-Niles School District 64.

“Maine South High School and Maine Township High School District 207 extend our deepest sorrow and condolences to the Babich family and friends,” the district said in a statement. “Maine South High School is making crisis counselors available for parents and children who had been attending this camp and has made resources available for parents looking for assistance in speaking with their children about grief and loss. Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 is also making counselors available for parents, students and staff at Field Elementary School this morning, and has distributed resources directly to its parents.”

In a separate statement, Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 described Babich as "an inspired learner, a leader and a good friend to everyone in her class.

“All of us at District 64 are saddened by the loss of one of our students, and extend our deepest sympathies to her family,” Superintendent Laurie Heinz said in a statement, adding, "I know her classmates and Field staff will miss her dearly.”

The camp, which was originally scheduled to run through Friday, has been canceled, officials said.

Further information on the young girl's cause of death was not immediately known. An autopsy was conducted Tuesday afternoon, but the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office said the cause of death was pending further investigation. 

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