The family of the 13-year-old northern Kentucky cheerleader who died suddenly at a cheer competition in Columbus, Ohio in late February has spoken out about what killed the girl.
The family of Lilliana Schalck, a student at Highlands Middle School who cheered for Ft. Thomas Highlands High School, said she had an “underlying strep infection” that overwhelmed her immune system.
She complained of not feeling well while at the competition. Her father took her to a local hospital where she died a few hours later.
“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.”
Lilliana’s father, Dan Schalk, said his daughter had been treated for strep a few years ago. He said doctors told them that his daughter was “the picture of health.”
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
