Woman Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Cheerleading Gym

Chrissie Cole

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A Massachusetts woman whose daughter was killed in a cheerleading accident is hopeful that her loss will lead to tougher safety standards across the state.

Three years ago Ashley Burns suffered a fatal fall in a cheerleading accident, now her mother is suing the gym where it happened for wrongful death.

The girl, who was 14 at the time of the accident, died from a lacerated spleen in August 2005 at the East Elite Cheer Gym. According to the lawsuit, Burns was “popped” up by two cheerleaders and attempted to perform a double-twist dismount, but she fell.

Her mother, Ruth Burns, has been living her “worst nightmare” and wants to know who’s responsible for what happened to her daughter. She hopes the lawsuit will lead to new national safety standards for cheerleaders.