Eighth Grade Cheerleader Dies Suddenly Over the Weekend Before Competition: Reports

A stock photo shows an ambulance with lights flashing. Joshua Lott/Getty Images

A Kentucky cheerleader fell ill and suddenly died after suffering from a medical emergency ahead of a team competition.

Lilliana Schalck was slated to perform on Feb. 23, but reports said she got sick. She was an eighth-grader at Highlands Middle School in Fort Thomas, reported the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Schalck was set to perform at an event in Columbus, Ohio, according to the publication.

Kevin Nieporte, the school’s athletic director, stated that her health quickly got worse after she arrived at the hospital.

However, the newspaper reported that it’s not clear what caused her death.

“One of our most talented cheerleaders,” Nieporte said of the teen. “She was the nicest.”

Fort Thomas Independent Schools Superintendent Karen Cheser made a statement about the girl’s death.

“It is with such sadness that I inform you that we have lost an eighth-grade student,” Cheser said. “She is beloved by so many and we know our students will need help through the grieving process.”

Counselors are available throughout the week at the school, she said.

“One of our sayings here is caring for yourself, each other and this place,” Principal Michael Howton said, reported the Enquirer. “It’s really a time to put your arm around somebody and show some support and just provide that shoulder to lean on if needed.”

Howton added that her death has shaken the community.

“I think we’re all processing it,” Howton added to WCPO. “Even adults struggle with how to feel and how to react to it, so it’s a one-day-at-a-time approach.”

He said it’s important for students to note that grieving is normal.

“I think that’s the message we want to send kids,” he said. “It’s alright to have that moment of sadness and recognize that you miss your friend, you miss this person that was in our halls every day.”

He added to WKRC that she was interested in journalism and wanted to write about sports.

“She said they didn’t know what they are going to do now that she won’t be there,” Howton said, referring to what another student told him. “My suggestion is do what she did, be that first person there and show that support to others.”

Howton continued: “This is one of those times where we say, ‘Look to your left and right and put your hand and arm around that person and give them support over these few days, next few weeks’ because that’s the way we are going to heal and move forward.”

A vigil was held for the girl on Sunday, WLWT reported.