Student athlete dies after asthma attack

CHAPEL HILL -- Atlas Fraley, a defensive lineman on the Chapel Hill High School football team, died Tuesday during an asthma attack at his home only days before the start of his senior year.

Atlas Fraley's father, David Fraley, however, said a someone in the medical examiner's office told him that his son appears to have died of dehydration.

His mother, Melissa Fraley, coaches the cheerleading squad at Chapel Hill High.

Fraley played in a scrimmage game at Middle Creek High School in Wake County Tuesday. His teammates said he complained of a headache afterward but his condition didn't alarm anyone, according to Amy Suitt, the mother of one of Fraley's teammates.

Scouts projected the 6-foot-1, 255-pound Fraley to play at the NCAA Division I level, according to ESPN.com. He was considering N.C. State, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, Louisville and Hampton University.

Fraley's first cousin, Dovonte Edwards, starred at Chapel Hill High and N.C. State and now plays in the defensive backfield for the NFL's Detroit Lions.

School officials were notified of Fraley's death at about 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, according to a press release issued by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Wednesday afternoon.

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

Chapel Hill High School Principal Jacquline Ellis was notifying school parents by e-mail of Fraley's death, and officials said counseling support is being made available at the school for students and staff. Counseling support also is being extended to Carrboro High School. Many former CHHS students were redistricted to Carrboro High when that school opened last year.

The CHHS coaching staff scheduled a meeting with players and parents later today. A practice scheduled for today and a scrimmage against Cedar Ridge High School on Friday have been canceled. A decision about a scheduled practice on Thursday practice will be made following the team's meeting.