Teen dies after tree crushed her as she cleaned storm debris outside Tennessee home
%20-%20Copy_fitted.png "Aleya Brooks’ organs were donated after she was taken off life support, her dad said in a Facebook post.")
A teenager died after she was crushed by a tree in her driveway in Tennessee, according to her family.
Aleya Brooks was clearing debris from her driveway on Friday, March 3, when a tree fell on her, her dad, Jason Brooks, wrote in a Facebook post. Aleya suffered several face and head fractures and a traumatic brain injury.
Aleya — who was 15, according to WZTV — remained in a trauma-induced coma for two days, her dad wrote. On Sunday, March 5, Aleya was take off mechanical support.
“After a hard fight, our daughter is in the arms of Jesus now,” Jason Brooks wrote in a Facebook post. “This is not the ending any of us hoped or prayed for… but we will praise Him in the storm. We know that Aleya, even in her passing, would want to have a positive impact on others lives. So, she will be an organ donor.”
Severe storms and high winds ravaged parts of Middle Tennessee on Friday, according to The Tennessean. Two others were confirmed dead as a result of the weather. Thousands of others were left without power, and there was significant structural damage.
Aleya was a freshman at Liberty Creek High School where she was a member of the cheerleading team, social media posts said.
“This tiny girl has made a huge impact on this world,” Liberty Creek Varsity Cheer wrote on Facebook.
The school said on Facebook it would have counselors on hand throughout the week to help students grieve their loss.
Friends and family shared tributes for Aleya on social media throughout the weekend.
“You were a shining light in our dark world,” Aleya’s brother, Nathanael Brooks, wrote in a Facebook post. “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.”
“The most beautiful spirit I have ever met,” another loved one wrote on Facebook. “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!!”
“Such a beautiful soul that was so kind, patient, and a true light that the world needed. Your selflessness is something that is so inspiring to me,” a third Facebook post said. “My heart is broken into a million pieces.”
Liberty Creek High School is in Gallatin, about 30 miles northeast of Nashville.
This story was originally published March 6, 2023 at 12:49 PM with the headline "Teen dies after tree crushed her as she cleaned storm debris outside Tennessee home."
