A FREAK accident has tragically killed a much-loved school cheerleader while she was having fun with friends.
Poignant tributes have been shared following the death of “inspirational and treasured” Julia Rooney, 13, in a North Carolina neighborhood.
The teen died following a freak golf cart crash involving several other children, said the Mooresville Police Department.
Julia had been sitting in a golf cart – as the front seat passenger – when she tumbled out of the vehicle in a Lake Norman neighborhood.
The girl fell from the cart when the driver made a left turn at low speed, cops added.
Police said that emergency services attended the scene at the intersection of Swamp Rose Drive and Golden Star Lane on Monday.
Julia was rushed to hospital after being found seriously wounded but she later died of her injuries, the force added.
The incident occurred at about 5:15 pm near the Woodland Heights elementary and middle schools, reported the Charlotte Observer yesterday.
“Our thoughts are with the families impacted during this difficult time,” police said.
Iredell-Statesville Schools has confirmed the death of a Woodland Heights student, reported CBS-affiliated WBTV.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share some very sad news with our school community,” school officials said in a statement.
“Last night, we experienced a tragic loss of one of our Woodland Heights Middle School students.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family, friends, and all those who knew and loved them.”
Neighbors said they didn’t believe that any other vehicles were involved in the crash, the broadcaster said.
Crash reconstruction experts were spotted investigating the scene on Tuesday.
ATA Cheer Lake Norman posted a heartbreaking tribute to Julia, who was described as a shining light with a “bright smile.”
“The mat will never feel the same without her,” the team added.
“Once a part of our gym, always a part of our family.”
It urged parents to “please hug your babies a little tighter tonight.”
She had been with the team for more than seven years.
“Tonight, we share the heartbreaking news that one of our athletes has tragically passed away,” it posted on social media on Tuesday.
“Julia Rooney was not only a teammate, but a friend, a light in our gym, and someone who made an impact on everyone she met.
“From her days as a youth athlete to her time as a senior, she always carried the same bright smile.”
Rhyne Donna Rankins, deputy at Woodland Heights, also paid a poignant tribute, in which Julia was described as someone who “made our world beautiful.”
“Your kindness has left a legacy that will never be forgotten. You have left a mark that cannot be erased,” she added.
“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, Rest in peace, Julia Rooney.
“You will be missed by your Woodland Heights Middle School Family.”
Carrie Offenberger, a community member, posted on social media that the “shock is settling in with the students.”
“She was only 13! Julia was always extremely nice to everyone,” she wrote.
Julia “was loved by all” and her loss has “shocked” everyone at the school.
“They brought in extra counselors, walking past the library (the quiet room) all you could hear was crying!” Offenberger added.
The ATA Lake Norman Voltage team said months ago that Julia was a “flyer and a tumbler whose birthday is on Halloween.”
“Tumbling is her absolute favorite thing about cheer,” it added on Instagram.
Police said that officers are still investigating the fatality.
