A young girl has died after collapsing on her first day of school.

Fourth-grader Lucy Nash was just one of many students who returned to school on August 7 after the summer break.

Lucy attended Cairo Elementary in Henderson, Kentucky, and what should have been a fun day for the nine-year-old ended in tragedy.

During the break, Lucy suffered a heart attack and was admitted to Riley Children’s Hospital.

The medical community declared the nine-year-old brain dead because her brain went without oxygen for a long time after the collapse.

Lucy remained in hospital for five days following the devastating incident, with her family staying by her side, before she died on August 12.

In a moving post shared on Lucy’s father Ryan Nash’s Facebook page, he described his daughter as a “sister, lover, catcher, reader, cartwheeler, naturalist, singer, LEGO builder, child of God and friend to everyone.”

Lucy Nash collapsed on her first day of school. (Ryan Nash/Facebook)

“We have shared 9 years and 56 days of a full, joyful, carefree and compassionate life together,” the post continued. “And despite the inexplicable pain, I am grateful for every hour.”

“Thanks to the tireless work of the staff at Riley, Deaconess Gateway and Henderson hospitals, paramedics and teachers, we had five days to hold Lucy’s hand, sing her favorite songs, read to her and finish her bedtime book, and love and care for our wonderful fourth-grader.”

The cause of Lucy’s collapse is currently unclear.

After her death, her stepfather’s sister set up a GoFundMe page in her honor. At the time of this writing, over $9,400 has been raised.

It is unclear why the nine-year-old collapsed. (Ryan Nash/Facebook)

Elsewhere, the family launched a campaign called “Pinkies Up For Lucy” in Lucy’s memory, urging people to wear pink.

Her father wrote online: “We have not made any arrangements yet. We do not have any information yet on who will be helping Lucy. We want the entire community that has surrounded her with so much love and prayers to mourn with her and thank God for her life with us. Wear your brightest pink #PinkiesUp4Lucy.”

According to local news agencies, Lucy’s organs will be donated to those in need.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak to someone confidentially, please contact The compassionate friends at (877) 969-0010.