A Tennessee high school cheerleader has died from a traumatic brain injury after a tree fell on her during a severe storm as winds reached up to 79mph.
Aleya Brooks, 15, was helping her family clear debris on their Hendersonville driveway, about 18 miles north of Nashville, on Friday when she was struck amid a devastating storm that led to down power lines.
Brooks was rushed to the trauma unit at Skyline Hospital while unconsciously bleeding out in her mother's arms.
The Liberty Creek High School student was placed on life support in critical condition with deep bleeding in her brain - along with head and face fractures. She passed away the next day.
'This is not the ending any of us hoped 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 she is loved even though she could not respond.'
Aleya Brooks, 15, was helping her family clear debris on their Henderson driveway, about 18 miles north of Nashville, on Friday when she was struck by a falling tree
Brooks was rushed to the trauma unit at Skyline Hospital while unconsciously bleeding out in her mother's arms. Pictured: 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 told WZTV.
The teenager was a competing cheerleader, who previously tore her ACL.
'She wrote this essay about her torn ACL, and she said, "Mom, I want another story - that one is 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 is her story.'
Jason recalled the devastating moment he saw his daughter on life support while with his family.
'Our beautiful, perfect Princess was being sustained by respirator, and fed with multiple IVs in an attempt to reduce the swelling and pressure on her brain,' Jason wrote.
'The neurosurgeon could only say, “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. This is a horrific injury."'
After doctors were unable to reduce Aleya's brain swelling and stabilize her vitals, her family decided to choose 'the only path possible.'
'After a hard fight, our daughter is in the arms of Jesus now,' Jason wrote in a grieving post.
While Aleya's young life was cut short, her family will honor her legacy by raising money for the 'advancement of care and research for neurological and brain disorders,' Jason announced on GoFundMe.
'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,' Jason wrote.
As of Monday morning, the fundraiser 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 teenager was a competing cheerleader and attended Liberty Creek High School in Henderson, Tennessee. Pictured: Dona, Jason, Aleya, and Nathanael Brooks
She previously tore her ACL and enjoyed telling the story. But after a few years, she got bored of it and desired 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 in His plan,' her brother Nathanael Brooks, wrote on Facebook. 'You were a shining light in our dark world.
'You taught us so much, and I loved every moment with you. It’s hard to find the words right now, but Aleya I love you with all I am, and am so sorry I couldn’t protect you.'
Liberty Creek High School families recalled Aleya as having 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 be changed forever and you have made it home to be with the lord,' Mylah Sha Bell wrote.
School counselors were made available to help navigate students through the devastating loss.
'She wrote this essay about her torn ACL, and she said, "Mom, I want another story - that one is 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 many as a 'light'
School counselors were made available to help navigate students through the devastating loss. Pictured: Aleya with a cheermate
While Aleya's young life was cut short, her family will honor her legacy by raising money for the 'advancement of care and research for neurological and brain disorders'
Aleya is one of three people to die from the storm that hit Middle Tennessee on Friday amid damaging winds and tornado warnings.
Thunderstorms and tornados threatened the state and left thousands without power leading into the weekend.
Another unidentified person was killed when a tree slammed into their car in Humphreys County, about 72 miles west of Nashville.
The third victim was also hit by a tree. No further information on the additional victims was available.
Aleya is one of three people to die from the storm that hit Middle Tennessee on Friday amid damaging winds and tornado warnings
All three people died due to fallen trees. One person died after a tree hit their car. Pictured: a random fallen tree from Friday's storm in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee
Thunderstorms and tornados threatened the state and left thousands without power leading into the weekend
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pa3IpbCmmZmhe6S7ja6iaKaVrMBwrdGtoJyklWJ%2BcoSRb25qbV%2BJsq%2B6xKyqnp1dmLWmsdGlnJqclad6coGMnaCeq12pv6LBzJqroptdl7%2Bitc1moKeipafGbsDRnpxmnpWhuW6%2F06ippmaYqbqt