Former Kentucky Athlete’s Tragic Turn: From National Competitions to Unimaginable Tragedy
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old former University of Kentucky student-athlete, now faces serious legal charges in connection with the death of her newborn son. Just months before this tragedy unfolded, Snelling was performing with her school’s STUNT team at the collegiate National Championship in Nashville, Tennessee. Video footage from April shows her being lifted by teammates during routines, a stark contrast to the circumstances she now faces. The University of Kentucky has confirmed that Snelling, who was a senior and valued member of the STUNT team, has since withdrawn from the institution. STUNT, described by the university as “one of the fastest-growing female sports in the United States,” involves head-to-head competition focusing on the technical and athletic aspects of cheerleading.
The devastating incident came to light on August 31, when Lexington Police Department officers responded to a call about an unresponsive infant. According to police reports, officers discovered a newborn baby boy in a closet, wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag. The infant was pronounced dead at the scene, and authorities identified Snelling as the mother. Police documents indicate that Snelling admitted to giving birth. The circumstances surrounding the birth and the subsequent discovery have shocked the university community and raised difficult questions about the pressures faced by young women in crisis situations. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office has stated that an initial autopsy was inconclusive, noting that extensive microscopic analysis would be needed to determine the cause of death, adding another layer of complexity to an already tragic situation.
Following the discovery, Snelling was arrested and charged with tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant, and abuse of a corpse. These charges reflect the serious nature of the allegations against her, though they do not include charges directly related to the death of the infant, possibly pending the conclusive autopsy results. Snelling has pleaded not guilty to all charges. After her arrest, she was released from jail on a $100,000 bond and placed under house arrest. The legal proceedings are still in their early stages, and it remains to be seen how the case will develop as more evidence comes to light and as the detailed autopsy results become available.
The contrast between Snelling’s life as a competitive athlete and her current situation is stark and sobering. Just months ago, she was competing at a national level, representing her university in a growing sport that combines athleticism, teamwork, and performance. The videos of these performances show a young woman engaged in her sport, surrounded by teammates, focused on competition and achievement. Now, she faces serious legal charges and has withdrawn from the university where she was pursuing her education and athletic career. This dramatic shift highlights how quickly life circumstances can change and raises questions about what support systems might have been available to her during what must have been a frightening and isolating experience.
The case has prompted discussions about resources available to young women facing unexpected pregnancies, particularly in university settings where academic and athletic pressures can be intense. While no details have emerged about whether Snelling sought help or disclosed her pregnancy to anyone, the tragic outcome underscores the importance of accessible support services, confidential counseling, and clear information about options for pregnant students. Universities across the country have varying levels of resources for pregnant students, from health services to academic accommodations, but awareness of these resources and comfort in accessing them can be significant barriers. The case also highlights the complex and often stigmatized nature of concealed pregnancies, which can involve deep psychological distress and fear.
As this case proceeds through the legal system, many questions remain unanswered about the circumstances surrounding the birth and death of the infant. The inconclusive autopsy results mean that crucial information about the infant’s condition at birth is still unknown. This information will be vital both for legal proceedings and for a fuller understanding of this tragedy. Beyond the legal outcomes, however, this case serves as a painful reminder of the importance of compassionate support for young people in crisis, the need for open conversations about reproductive health and pregnancy options, and the complex realities that can lead to desperate decisions. For now, a community is left to grapple with the shock of how a promising student-athlete’s life took such a tragic turn, and what might have been done to prevent it.
