Parents File Wrongful Death Suit Against High School

"Due to the extreme heat and humidity outside, Imani began experiencing early signs of heat illness and was visibly struggling to physically perform the outdoor conditioning drills Defendants directed her to perform," the lawsuit reads, as reported by WXIA. "Defendants observed Imani experiencing early signs of heat illness during the outdoor practice but nevertheless directed Imani to continue performing the conditioning drills with her team and directed Imani to run up the stadium steps."

Bell, who had no pre-existing medical conditions, collapsed during the practice, lost consciousness and became unresponsive. She was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead later that evening. In 2019, WXIA obtained a copy of the autopsy report from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which indicates that the primary cause of Imani's death was a heart attack was brought on by physical exertion in a high heat environment.

At Wednesday's press conference, Bell's attorneys produced an e-mail that appears to have been sent the day before the teenager's death from Kevin May, the district-wide athletic director for Clayton County Public Schools. May wrote, "Please ensure that ALL COACHES are following all GHSA (Georgia High School Association) guidelines regarding heat policies," and "The safety of our student-athletes and coaches are our first priority." He also made coaches aware that temperatures were expected to be "exceedingly high," from the day he sent the e-mail and on the two following days.

The e-mail included a link to GHSA guidelines for practices and heat, and May noted practices should be altered to ensure compliance. 

In the lawsuit, attorneys argue the defendants failed to follow GHSA policies for practices, and in particular a guideline stating when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature is found to be 92 degrees or above, there should be "No outdoor workouts."