A community in Fargo is grappling with the heartbreaking loss of a young student, Jemimah Audu, who passed away following a medical emergency during a school basketball game. The 13-year-old eighth grader at Discovery Middle School collapsed on November 21, 2023, and despite immediate medical attention, she was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to Sanford Medical Center.
In response to this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Jemimah’s family. Friends and family describe them as “shattered and heartbroken” over the sudden loss. According to the fundraising page, her parents, Johnny and Sarah Cox, expressed gratitude to the first responders and medical staff who made efforts to revive their daughter.
Jemimah reportedly had no known pre-existing health conditions, and an autopsy is currently being conducted at the University of North Dakota to determine the cause of her collapse. A spokesperson for Fargo Public Schools stated that additional counselors and mental health professionals are available to support students and staff as they navigate this difficult time.
Community Support and Memorial Plans
Tara Williams, a family friend who initiated the GoFundMe campaign, highlighted Jemimah’s love for basketball and her youth group at Northview Church. Williams also noted the special bond Jemimah shared with her younger brother, Jethro. All funds raised will go directly to the family to assist with funeral expenses.
“She was a kind and beautiful soul to all she encountered,” Williams wrote on the fundraising page. The community is encouraged to come together to honor Jemimah’s memory, with a funeral service scheduled for 5 p.m. on December 1, 2023, at Northview Church, located at 3401 25th St. S., in Fargo.
As the family and community mourn this tragic loss, they also reflect on the joy and positivity Jemimah brought into their lives. The support from friends and neighbors is a testament to the impact she made during her short time.