University of Kentucky Cheerleader No Longer Enrolled Following Tragic Case
Following a devastating incident that shocked the University of Kentucky community, 21-year-old Laken Snelling is no longer enrolled at the university and consequently no longer a member of the school’s STUNT cheerleading team. The university confirmed this development in a statement released on September 5, marking a significant turn in a case that has drawn widespread attention and concern. Snelling, who was a three-year member of the nationally competitive STUNT team and an Interdisciplinary Disability Studies major, was arrested on August 30 in connection with the death of her newborn baby. She faces serious charges including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant – allegations that have stunned those who knew her as a dedicated student-athlete.
The circumstances surrounding this case are both sensitive and complex. According to police reports, authorities discovered the deceased infant “wrapped in a towel inside of a black trash bag” in Snelling’s closet. When questioned, Snelling reportedly admitted to giving birth and subsequently concealing evidence of the birth. Despite the gravity of these allegations, it’s important to note that the investigation remains ongoing, with many questions still unanswered. Snelling has pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released on a $100,000 bond to her parents’ custody under home incarceration without an ankle monitor. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 26, which may provide more clarity on the legal proceedings ahead.
The medical aspects of this case add another layer of complexity. An autopsy conducted on the infant was unable to determine a cause of death, with the Fayette County Coroner’s Office indicating that “extensive microscopic analyses are essential to determine the cause and manner of death.” Coroner Gary Ginn emphasized the thoroughness of the investigation, stating, “I understand the community’s concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child. We are conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered.” This cautious approach highlights the importance of allowing the medical and legal processes to unfold completely before drawing conclusions about the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death.
The University of Kentucky has remained relatively restrained in its public statements, confirming only that Snelling “is no longer a student at the university and, as a result, is no longer a member of the STUNT team.” Prior to this announcement, there had been uncertainty about her status, as she remained listed on the 2025 STUNT cheer roster – though this may have been due to the fact that STUNT is a spring sport with competitions running from January to April, making roster updates less urgent during the fall semester. The university had previously acknowledged Snelling’s three-year membership on the team but directed all other inquiries to the Lexington Police Department, maintaining appropriate boundaries as the legal process unfolds.
The athletic context of Snelling’s life at the university adds dimension to understanding who she was before this incident. As a member of the University of Kentucky’s STUNT team, she participated in a discipline that USA Cheer describes as emphasizing “the technical and athletic components of cheer, including partner stunts, pyramids, basket tosses, group jumps and tumbling.” The team itself had achieved remarkable success, finishing as national runners-up for three consecutive seasons with an impressive 29-3 record last year. Like many collegiate athletes, Snelling would have balanced rigorous training schedules with academic responsibilities as she pursued her studies in Interdisciplinary Disability Studies – a background that makes the current circumstances all the more unexpected to those who knew her in that context.
This case has inevitably prompted difficult conversations about young adult pregnancy, mental health resources on college campuses, and the pressures faced by student-athletes. While the legal process will determine accountability for the specific actions alleged, the situation serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of accessible support systems for young adults facing crisis situations. As the investigation continues and more facts emerge, the university community and beyond will be grappling with the human dimensions of this tragedy – a young woman’s promising college career now dramatically altered, a newborn life lost, and families on all sides forever changed. The preliminary hearing later this month may provide more answers, but the full understanding of what transpired and why remains a developing story that touches on deeply personal and societal issues alike.
