The Calgary community is mourning the loss of a resilient teenager who defied significant medical odds from infancy, only to pass away suddenly on the first day of the new year.
A Life Defined by Resilience and Passion
Taya Arnold, a 17-year-old resident of Langdon, Alberta, died in the early hours of January 1, 2026. According to her mother, Susan Pilling, Taya had been celebrating New Year's with friends when she collapsed and never regained consciousness. Medical professionals at the Alberta Children’s Hospital worked on her until after 3 a.m. but were unable to save her.
"It's my worst nightmare," Pilling said, fighting back tears. Doctors believe the cause of death was heart arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat, a condition tragically linked to the severe health challenges she overcame as a baby.
An Early Battle with a Hole in Her Heart
Taya's medical journey began just weeks after her birth in early 2008. Her parents, Pilling and Troy Arnold, watched helplessly as their daughter's life was threatened by a large ventricle septic defect—a hole in the middle of her heart. The condition caused serious circulatory and respiratory problems and infections.
At just one and a half months old, Taya underwent a nearly four-hour surgery at Edmonton's Stollery Children’s Hospital. Her recovery was a "real rollercoaster," but she emerged strong. In the years that followed, she not only survived but thrived, embracing an active life that defied her difficult start.
A Thriving Athlete and Beloved Teammate
Taya channeled her energy into sports and physical activity. She excelled in track and field, snowboarding, basketball, competitive dancing, and volleyball. Her greatest passion, however, was ringette. Her dedication and skill were so evident that she eventually rose to become the captain of her team.
"She was such a good girl, the most amazing girl who made all of us better people," her mother remembered. "She was the most kind-hearted person you could ever meet... she was always positive on the bench."
The Indus Ringette Association paid tribute to Taya, describing her as a determined player who lifted up everyone around her. "She had a fierce passion for sports and fitness, showing dedication, discipline and strength in everything she pursued," the association stated in a social media post.
A Recent Health Challenge and Sudden Loss
About three years prior to her death, Taya began experiencing episodes of vasovagal syncope, a condition that causes fainting spells when the nervous system overreacts and interrupts blood flow to the brain. She had several of these seizure-like episodes at sporting events.
However, when she collapsed on New Year's, her mother immediately knew this incident was different. "She didn't look right this time, it wasn't the same," Pilling said. A physician later confirmed that her death was likely connected to the heart condition she battled as an infant.
A celebration of Taya's life was held on January 16, 2026, at First Alliance Church in Calgary. She is remembered as a vibrant, compassionate, and strong young woman who lived her 17 years with remarkable courage and joy, leaving an indelible mark on her family, friends, and the entire sporting community.
