High school cheerleader ‘in the arms of Jesus now’ following deadly storms

GALLATIN, Tenn. (WSMV) - A Gallatin teen was scheduled to become an organ donor Sunday after suffering a critical injury following Friday’s storms, according to Liberty Creek High School.

Aleya Brooks, a cheerleader at Liberty Creek High School, suffered a traumatic brain injury when a tree fell on her as she helped her family clear debris from their driveway, according to her father, Jason Brooks.

Brooks said his daughter was taken to Skyline Hospital where it was determined she suffered multiple facial and head fractures, as well as deep bleeding in her brain.

On Saturday morning, Brooks said the swelling in his daughter’s brain increased.

On Saturday evening, Brooks said his daughter would be “in the arms of Jesus now,” as doctors prepared to remove her from life support on Sunday.

The family set up a GoFundMe page as a memorial to Aleya.

“In lieu of flowers are her services, we are raising money which will be donated to Aleya’s local Long Hollow church family and an organization focused on the advancement of care and research for neurological and brain disorders. Her career aspiration and dream was to be a neuropsychologist,” her dad said on the GoFundMe page. “Even in her passing, we want to help her continue 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.”

The family planned for her to become an organ donor.

“We know that Aleya, even in her passing, would want to have a positive impact on others’ lives,” Brooks said in a Facebook post.

The family will hold an honor march for her sacrifice on Sunday at Skyline Medical Center, according to Brooks.

The surgery time was scheduled for the afternoon. However, Brooks said the actual time could shift depending on scheduling changes.

“Anyone is welcome to attend in honoring Aleya’s life and amazing legacy of loving Jesus and loving others,” Brooks said.

Liberty Creek High School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes held a time of prayer for Aleya in the school’s field house.

Brooks said more than 50 Liberty Creek Varsity Cheer cheerleaders, Liberty Creek High School administrators and teachers, and Long Hollow Church Family pastors and family filled the critical care waiting room in support of his daughter.

Brooks also created a GoFundMe which will be donated to Aleya’s local Long Hollow Church family and an organization focused on the advancement of care and research for neurological and brain disorders. Brooks said in the GoFundMe that Aleya’s career aspiration and dream was to be a neuropsychologist.

For those interested in donating, click here.

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