SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Just hours after dozens of people gathered to show support for a Sumner County student who was injured by a falling tree during Friday’s severe storms, Liberty Creek High School announced the girl has “passed away.”
Aleya Brooks was reportedly helping her family clear debris when the tree fell on her.
On Friday, March 3, Liberty Creek High reported that Aleya was in critical condition after the incident.
The school’s FCA organized an afternoon vigil to honor Aleya on Saturday, March 4.
During the event, athletes from Liberty Creek High, as well as surrounding schools, gathered in the field house, joining together to pray for Aleya and her family.
The school also displayed a quote Aleya had just written in one of her classes, which said, in part, “I believe resilience in adversity produces grit,” and talked about her learning to thrive during difficult times.”


Then, on Saturday evening, Liberty Creek High posted on social media that Aleya had passed and would be taken off mechanical support the next day.
“Even in her passing, she will give back to others by being an organ donor,” the school wrote on Facebook. “Please join us in praying for this family and all who were fortunate enough to know her.”
Liberty Creek High said it will have counselors available for students next week as they grieve the loss of Aleya, who was a cheerleader at the school and also known for her faith.
Aleya’s family even set up a GoFundMe and asked for donations instead of flowers. They reportedly plan to donate to Long Hollow Church in Hendersonville — which took a moment during the weekend service to remember Aleya’s faith — as well as research for brain disorders.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, March 5, there will be an Honor Walk for Aleya at TriStar Skyline Medical Center as she prepares to donate her organs, with her family, friends, and fellow athletes lining the hallways. After that, Sumner County first responders are planning to escort Aleya from the hospital after her procedure is done.
Her teammates also held a press conference ahead of Sunday evening’s event, sharing their memories of Aleya and the legacy she will leave behind.
At least three other storm-related deaths have been reported in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky since Friday, including a man who died after a tree fell on his car in McEwen, a woman who died after a tree fell on her in Hendersonville, and a man who died after being hit by a metal carport in Simpson County.