Medical examiner: Common fungal infection killed St. Michael teen athlete
A St. Michael couple now knows what killed their 16-year-old daughter, Michaela Olson, after she collapsed on a run the morning of July 1. Initially thought to be connected to the high heat index on the muggy day or something connected to Olson's asthma diagnosis, the medical examiner confirms instead that it was a common, preventable fungal infection that led to the cut off of circulation to her coronary arteries.
A St. Michael couple now knows what killed their 16-year-old daughter, Michaela Olson, after she collapsed on a run the morning of July 1, reports the St. Michael Patch.
Initially thought to be connected to the high heat index on the muggy day or something connected to Olson's asthma diagnosis. But a Fox 9 report says the medical examiner has confirmed a common, preventable fungal infection led to the cut off of circulation to her coronary arteries.
The fungus, known as histoplasmosis, caused an inflamation of the lymph node near her heart, which led to the circulation problem, according to the report. It reportedly develops when spores are inhaled after earth is moved during such things as construction projects.
