Kentucky cheerleader, 13, who died after falling ill at competition had 'underlying strep infection,' family says
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A Kentucky cheerleader who died after she fell ill at a cheerleading competition in February had an "underlying strep infection," her family said.
Lilliana Schalck, a student at Highlands Middle School, complained of feeling ill while at a cheerleading competition in Columbus, Ohio, on Feb. 23. She was taken to a nearby hospital where she died. The 13-year-old was taken to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital. A few hours later, the teen was dead.
The family said in a statement that Schalck had an “underlying Strep infection,” Fox 19 reported.
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KENTUCKY CHEERLEADER DIES AFTER FALLING ILL AT COMPETITION
“Apparently, an underlying Strep infection overwhelmed her immune system with little or no warning, and catastrophic results,” the family said in a statement, according to FOX 19.
“We knew this report was coming and honestly have mixed feelings about it," the Schalck family said in a statement. "On the one hand it changes nothing for us. But, on the other hand, we wouldn't wish this nightmare on anyone and maybe this report might help prevent a similar outcome for someone else. Lilliana would surely help if she could, and this is just an extension of that spirit.”
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The teenager’s father, Dan Schalk, said his daughter was treated for strep a few years ago. He said doctors told them that his daughter was “the picture of health.”
Fox News’ Alexandra Hein contributed to this report.