8-Year-Old Cheerleader Dies After Collapsing During Practice

An eight-year-old Nebraska cheerleader is gone — and now her grieving parents say the adults who were supposed to protect her failed her in the most devastating way.

Reese Bryan, described by loved ones as fearless, vibrant and full of life, died on February 23, 2024, after suffering a major brain bleed. Her parents have filed a lawsuit accusing her cheer coaches and pediatrician of negligence, claiming warning signs were ignored in the weeks leading up to her death.

According to the complaint, Reese was a member of Omaha Elite Cheer and had a known neurological condition. Her family alleges that despite this, she was pushed to perform flips, handsprings and tumbling routines — even competing at a Kansas City event just weeks before she passed away.

Her parents also claim she had an underlying brain tumor that went undiagnosed, arguing that her doctor refused to order imaging scans despite troubling symptoms.

The lawsuit paints a heartbreaking picture of Reese’s final days.

On January 29, 2024, Reese reportedly collapsed at the cheer facility after experiencing vomiting and other alarming symptoms. Her parents allege that coaches did not call 911, even though they were aware of her neurological history. Instead, the complaint claims Reese was left alone and concealed behind mats while teammates were instructed not to approach her.

Court documents state she showed serious neurological warning signs, including dizziness, facial drooping, slurred speech, shaking and difficulty standing — symptoms her mother described as resembling a stroke.

“The left side of her face was drooping,” her mother, Amanda Bryan, said. “She was slurring her words. She couldn’t stand up. She was shaking uncontrollably. She was cold.”

Her parents rushed her to the hospital, where she remained for three weeks before she died.

The lawsuit also names her pediatrician, Dr. Lars Vanderbur. According to the complaint, Reese had previously suffered from dizziness, abnormal eye movements, and other concerning symptoms. While she tested positive for strep throat and was given antibiotics, her family claims that persistent neurological signs were dismissed as post-infection fatigue and that no MRI or CT scan was ordered.

“She was never ordered an MRI, CAT scan, nothing,” her mother said.

The complaint alleges that the delay in emergency care and failure to properly evaluate her symptoms led to worsening neurological damage.

Reese’s parents say she endured “ongoing and growingly irreversible neurological insult” as minutes passed without intervention after her collapse at practice.

Now, they are seeking justice.

“We want justice for Reese so bad,” her mother said.

Reese is remembered as a gifted young athlete who excelled not only in cheer but also in softball. Family members described her as having contagious energy and a fearless spirit.

“She really was extraordinary,” her mother said. “She had that ‘it’ factor. She loved just being a kid.”

Her obituary called her “one of a kind,” saying that although her life was short, her impact was huge.

Attorneys for Elite Cheer said the organization was deeply saddened by Reese’s passing but declined further comment due to ongoing legal proceedings. A statement from Children’s Physicians, on behalf of Dr. Vanderbur, said they do not comment on pending litigation and that their top priority is delivering safe, high-quality care.

The lawsuit accuses Elite Cheer, its employees and the doctor of medical malpractice and negligence. The family has requested a jury trial.