A Tennessee high school cheerleader has died from traumatic brain injury after a tree fell on her during a severe storm with winds up to 79 mph.
Aleya Brooks, 15, was helping her family clear debris from their Hendersonville driveway, about 18 miles north of Nashville, on Friday when she was struck amid a devastating storm that downed power lines.
Brooks was rushed to Skyline Hospital’s trauma unit as she bled unconsciously in her mother’s arms.
The Liberty Creek High School student was placed on life support in critical condition with deep bleeding to her brain, along with fractures to her head and face. She passed away the next day.
“This is not the ending any of us hoped for or prayed for,” her father, Jason Brooks, wrote on Facebook. “We just stood there, holding her hand, stroking her hair and reminding her how much we love her even though she couldn’t respond.”
Aleya Brooks, 15, was helping her family clear debris from their driveway in Henderson, about 18 miles north of Nashville, on Friday when she was struck by a falling tree.
Brooks was rushed to Skyline Hospital’s trauma unit as she bled unconsciously in her mother’s arms. In the photo: Aleya with her father Jason
Aleya was adopted by Jason and Darla from China when she was 9 months old. She had aspirations to become a neuropsychologist to heal brain injuries.
“It’s really hard that our daughter, who wanted to hear so many, actually died of a traumatic brain injury,” Jason said. WZTV.
The teen was a competitive cheerleader, who previously tore her ACL.
“She wrote this essay about her torn ACL and she said, ‘Mom, I want another story, that’s two years old,’ and I said, ‘Just pray about it, God will give you another story,'” Darla recalled.
She added: “I don’t like this story, but it’s her story.”
Jason recalled the devastating moment he saw his daughter on life support while he was with his family.
“Our beautiful and perfect princess was being held on a ventilator and fed multiple IVs in an attempt to reduce swelling and pressure on her brain,” Jason wrote.
The neurosurgeon could only say: “I am so sorry. Very sorry. This is a horrible injury.”
After doctors were unable to reduce the swelling in Aleya’s brain and stabilize her vital signs, her family decided to choose “the only path possible.”
“After a hard fight, our daughter is now in the arms of Jesus,” Jason wrote in a grief post.
While Aleya’s young life was cut short, her family will honor her legacy by raising money to “advance the care and research of neurological and brain disorders,” Jason announced in GoFundMe.
“Even in her passing, we want to help her carry on her legacy of loving people and making a difference in lives around the world…all while loving Jesus with all her heart and being a light to the world.” Jason wrote.
As of Monday morning, the fundraiser has raised more than $17,000. Her organs were also donated.
Aleya was adopted by Jason and Darla from China when she was 9 months old. She had aspirations to become a neuropsychologist and heal brain injuries.
The teen competed in cheerleading and attended Liberty Creek High School in Henderson, Tennessee. Pictured: Dona, Jason, Aleya and Nathanael Brooks
He previously tore his ACL and enjoyed telling the story. But after a few years, he got bored and wanted a new one.
Aleya was mourned by her family, Liberty Varsity Cheers, and Long Hallow Church.
“I wish God gave you more time with us, but I trust his plan,” his brother Nathanael Brooks wrote on Facebook. You were a bright light in our dark world.
‘You taught us a lot, and I enjoyed every moment with you. It’s hard to find the words right now, but Aleya, I love you with all that I am, and I’m so sorry that I couldn’t protect you.
Liberty Creek High School families recalled that Aleya had the ‘most beautiful spirit.’
‘Aleya, I will miss your beautiful smile the most and we may not understand why, but one thing I do know is that you have left a mark on this earth that will change forever and you have come home to be with the lord.’ Mylah Sha Bell wrote.
School counselors were made available to help students cope with the devastating loss.
“He wrote this essay about his torn ACL and he said, ‘Mom, I want another story, that’s two years old,’ and I said, ‘Just pray about it, God will give you another story.'” Darla recalled. Pictured: Darla and Aleya
Aleya was mourned by her family, Liberty Varsity Cheers, and Long Hallow Church. She was remembered as both a ‘light’
School counselors were made available to help students cope with the devastating loss. In the picture: Aleya with a cheerleader
While Aleya’s young life was cut short, her family will honor her legacy by raising money to “advance care and research in neurological and brain disorders.”
Aleya is one of three people killed by the storm that ripped through central Tennessee Friday amid damaging winds and tornado warnings.
Thunderstorms and tornadoes threatened the state and left thousands without power before the weekend.
Another unidentified person was killed when a tree crashed into their car in Humphreys County, about 72 miles west of Nashville.
The third victim was also struck by a tree. No further information was available about the additional victims.
Aleya is one of three people killed by the storm that ripped through central Tennessee Friday amid damaging winds and tornado warnings.
All three people died due to falling trees. One person died after a tree hit his car. Pictured: A random downed tree from Friday’s storm in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee
Thunderstorms and tornadoes threatened the state and left thousands without power before the weekend.