Family questions 911 response in son's death

EMS officials are reviewing a 911 call placed from the home of Atlas Fraley. The teen was not transported to the hospital and died later at his home.

Posted 4:33 p.m. Aug 13, 2008 — Updated 2:06 p.m. Aug 14, 2008

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Orange County Emergency Medical Services officials are reviewing how a 911 call was handled in the death of a Chapel Hill High School football player.

Atlas Fraley, 17, of 202 Fan Branch Lane in Chapel Hill, died Tuesday. Fraley’s family told WRAL News on Wednesday that they believe the teen died of an asthma attack. Authorities have not released an official cause of death, but police said that there were no signs of foul play and that the death did not appear to be suspicious.

EMS officials said Wednesday evening that they are still gathering information about the 911 call to ensure procedures were followed. However, officials confirmed a 911 call was placed from Fraley's home and that paramedics responded, then left without transporting the teen.

"They just left him there by himself. He is just a child,” father David Fraley said.

After participating in a scrimmage Tuesday morning at Middle Creek High School in Apex, Atlas complained of a headache, relatives said. His parents were not home when Fraley died.

"I am really hurt now. Like I said, there was a lot of sadness. But I have a lot of, I have some anger with me now,” David Fraley said.

Fraley’s body was sent to the state medical examiner's office for further examination.

Chapel Hill police aren't investigating the case, Lt. Kevin Gunter said.

Fraley's funeral is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday at Chapel Hill Bible Church, 260 Erwin Road.

“He was like my little brother. I know his dream was to grow up and probably play professional football – his dream. I’m living out his dream. Every time I go out on that field, he’s going to be with me in some form or fashion,” Detroit Lion’s defensive back Dovonte Edwards, Fraley’s cousin, said.

Fraley was entering his senior year at Chapel Hill High. He attended the school for three years and had been a student at McDougle Middle School before, according to a press release issued by Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Wednesday.

Fraley was listed at 6-foot-1 and 254 pounds, according to football recruiting Web sites. A high school online roster dated 2007 put him at 6-2. He recorded a 5.0-second time for the 40-yard dash.

His college prospects included Georgia Tech, Louisville, N.C. State, Wake Forest, Hampton and Howard, according to Rivals.com.

His mother is the cheerleading coach at Chapel Hill.

Guidance counselors were available at Chapel Hill High to help students and staff cope with the loss, according to an announcement sent to the school community by Principal Jacqueline Ellis. Counselors were also at Carrboro High School, where many students now attend after redistricting moved them from Chapel Hill High School.

Classes resume the week after next.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the Fraley family during this most difficult time. Our staff stands ready to support the students and families who knew and loved Atlas,” Superintendent Neil Pedersen said in a statement.

Practice and a planned scrimmage against Cedar Ridge High School were both canceled Wednesday.

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