Sanford seventh-grader remembered by teammates

Quaneisha Richmond,12, died Thursday after she suffered a medical emergency during a soccer game, officials said.

"She was always a strong person," said Jennifer Rayes, one of her teammates. "She was confident and she never gave up."

Richmond's teammates and the opposing team walked out on the field together before their matchup.

"We always hope that our students grow and walk the stage and become leaders one day," school principal Shannon Shuey said. "But I do believe she is giving back joy and you can see today so many people loved her."

There were moments of sadness before the start of the game, but when Richmond’s team took the field, the group vowed to play with the same attitude their teammate would have had.

"Such a wonderful smile and always smiling," said Ayli Kimenez. "If something was going on she was just like 'hey,' you know always trying to make your day, and her eyes were just beautiful."

Richmond will be buried on Saturday. The state Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating the cause of her death.

East Lee officials said counselors were available for students following Richmond's death.