Ashleigh Van Horn was a 21-year-old student and soccer player at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (UPJ). She passed away on Friday, April 14, 2023, after suffering from a cardiac arrest. She was admitted to the ICU where she spent days, but could not survive. Her death was a shock and a sorrow for her family, friends, teammates, and coaches.
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Who was Ashleigh Van Horn?
Ashleigh Van Horn was born on October 28, 2001, in Jeannette, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Frank Van Horn and Candace Bosco, and the sister of Keirsten, Braeden, and Micah. She graduated from Hempfield Area High School in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, where she played soccer and was a member of the National Honor Society. She was majoring in business at UPJ, where she was also a midfielder for the Pitt-Greensburg Women’s Soccer team. She played in over 50 matches for the team and was a valued and respected member of the soccer community.
Ashleigh was described by her loved ones as a free-spirited, caring, and loving person who had a passion for music, singing, art, and soccer. She had an infectious smile and energy that could light up any room. She loved surprises, bonfires, carpool karaoke, dancing, and spending time with her family and friends. She was a light for so many people and will be profoundly missed.
How did Ashleigh Van Horn die?
According to SNBC13.com, Ashleigh Van Horn died after suffering from a cardiac arrest, which is an event that occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops pumping. She was rushed to the hospital and placed in the ICU, where she fought for her life for several days. Unfortunately, she did not make it and passed away on Friday, April 14, 2023. She was surrounded by her family and friends at the time of her death.
The cause of her cardiac arrest is not known, but it is a rare and tragic occurrence for someone so young and healthy. According to the American Heart Association, cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage in the blood flow to the heart. Cardiac arrest can be caused by many factors, such as heart disease, genetic conditions, drug overdose, electrocution, or trauma. Cardiac arrest can be prevented or treated by performing CPR, using an automated external defibrillator (AED), or administering medication.
How is Ashleigh Van Horn being remembered?
Ashleigh Van Horn’s funeral service was held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Alpha Ministries in Jeannette, Pennsylvania. Her obituary was published by the Tribune Review and Legacy Remembers, where many people shared their memories and condolences for her. A GoFundMe account was also set up by her family to help with the funeral expenses and to honor her memory.
Ashleigh Van Horn’s legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved her. She touched many lives with her kindness, generosity, and joy. She was a talented and dedicated soccer player who inspired her teammates and coaches. She was a bright and ambitious student who had a promising future ahead of her. She was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend who will never be forgotten.
As her obituary states, “When you think of Ashleigh, continue to ‘Live, Laugh and Love.’; remembering that life is a precious gift that should be lived to the fullest, knowing that what we do in this life ripples into eternity.”
