Tragic Death of Young Cheerleader Prompts Legal Action in Nebraska
The heartbreaking case of an eight-year-old cheerleader from Nebraska has led to a lawsuit filed by her grieving parents, who claim that both her cheer coaches and a doctor are responsible for her untimely death. Reese Bryan, a vibrant and talented young athlete, passed away in February 2024 after suffering a major brain bleed, with her family alleging that critical failures in care and supervision contributed to the tragedy.
Allegations Against Cheer Coaches and Medical Professional
According to court documents and statements from the Bryan family, Reese was a member of the Omaha Elite Cheer team. Despite being diagnosed with a known neurological condition, her parents assert that coaches compelled her to perform demanding routines, including clips, handsprings, and tumbling. Shockingly, the complaint indicates that she was even forced to participate in a competition in Kansas City just weeks before her death, exacerbating her health issues.
On January 29, 2024, Reese collapsed at the cheer facility, displaying severe symptoms such as vomiting and facial drooping. Her family alleges that instead of providing immediate assistance, coaches left her "alone and concealed behind mats," with personnel instructing teammates not to approach her. This delay in emergency response, they claim, worsened her neurological damage as she lay helpless.
Undiagnosed Brain Tumor and Medical Oversight
Compounding the situation, Reese had an underlying brain tumor that went undiagnosed. Her parents point to pediatrician Dr. Lars Vanderbur, who they say refused to order cranial imaging scans despite Reese exhibiting troubling signs like dizziness, horizontal nystagmus, and ptosis on her right eye. After a visit where she tested positive for strep throat and was given antibiotics, her symptoms persisted, but Vanderbur diagnosed "post-infection fatigue" and declined further scans.
"She was never ordered an MRI, CAT scan, nothing," her mother, Amanda Bryan, told local media, highlighting what the family views as a critical medical oversight. When Reese's condition deteriorated further, with symptoms mimicking a stroke, her mother rushed her to the hospital, where she remained for three weeks before passing away on February 23, 2024.
Family's Quest for Justice and Emotional Tributes
The Bryan family has filed a complaint accusing Elite Cheer, its employees, and Dr. Vanderbur of medical malpractice and negligence, seeking a jury trial to hold them accountable. "We want justice for Reese so bad," Amanda Bryan expressed, emphasizing their desire for accountability in the wake of their daughter's death.
Reese is remembered as a "vibrant, loving, beautiful, caring, generous, beat of an athlete, smart, AMAZING little girl" on a GoFundMe page, with her obituary noting her fearless spirit and infectious smile. Her parents describe her as a talented cheerleader and softball player who lived life to the fullest, leaving a huge impact on those around her despite her short life.
Responses from the Accused Parties
In response to the allegations, Elite Cheer's attorneys stated that the organization was "deeply saddened by Reese's passing" and that their thoughts are with the Bryan family, but they declined further comment due to ongoing legal proceedings. Similarly, Children's Physicians, representing Dr. Vanderbur, noted that they do not comment on pending litigation but emphasized their commitment to safe, high-quality care.
As the legal process unfolds, neither defendant has filed formal answers to the complaint, leaving the case in a preliminary stage. The Bryan family's lawsuit underscores broader concerns about athlete safety and medical diligence, particularly for young children in competitive sports environments.
