Omaha family sues cheer gym, doctors after 8-year-old daughter's death

Reese Bryan died from a brain bleed caused by an undiagnosed tumor, now her parents are seeking answers and accountability

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Two years ago, 8-year-old Reese Bryan died after suffering a massive brain bleed. Now her family is suing Elite Cheer and Children's Physicians, claiming negligence and medical negligence led to her death. The Bryans say Reese had been experiencing symptoms like dizziness and balance issues in the weeks before her death, but her pediatrician did not order imaging tests and allowed her to continue cheerleading activities, which they believe exacerbated her undiagnosed brain tumor.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the importance of thorough medical evaluation, especially for young athletes experiencing concerning symptoms. It also raises questions about safety protocols and oversight in youth sports programs. The Bryans hope their lawsuit will provide answers and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

The details

According to the lawsuit, about a month before her death, Reese began experiencing dizziness and balance issues. The family took her to an urgent care, where she was diagnosed with strep throat, but her symptoms persisted. They then took her to her pediatrician, Dr. Lars Vanderbur, on multiple occasions, but he allegedly "considered imaging but decided against it" and did not order an MRI or CT scan. The lawsuit also claims Vanderbur did not provide instructions to avoid activities that could further injure Reese's brain, such as cheerleading. On January 29, 2024, Reese collapsed at a cheer practice, exhibiting stroke-like symptoms. Amanda Bryan rushed her to the hospital, but the lawsuit alleges no one at Elite Cheer had called an ambulance, despite being advised to do so if Reese started throwing up. Reese spent three weeks in the hospital before dying from the brain bleed caused by her undiagnosed tumor.

  • About a month before her death, Reese began experiencing dizziness and balance issues.
  • On January 21, 2024, the Bryans took Reese to an urgent care, where she was diagnosed with strep throat.
  • On January 22, 2024, Reese saw her pediatrician, Dr. Lars Vanderbur, who allegedly "considered imaging but decided against it".
  • On January 29, 2024, Reese collapsed at a cheer practice, exhibiting stroke-like symptoms.
  • Reese died on February 23, 2024 at the age of 8 after spending three weeks in the hospital.

The players

Reese Bryan

An 8-year-old girl who died from a brain bleed caused by an undiagnosed tumor.

Tracy and Amanda Bryan

Reese's parents, who are suing Elite Cheer and Children's Physicians for negligence and medical negligence.

Elite Cheer

The local cheer gym that Reese was a member of, named in the lawsuit.

Lance Stoltenberg

The co-owner of Elite Cheer, named in the lawsuit.

Vanessa Dayne Hooker

Reese's cheer coach at Elite Cheer, named in the lawsuit.

Dr. Lars Vanderbur

Reese's pediatrician, named in the lawsuit for alleged medical negligence.

Children's Physicians

The medical practice that employed Dr. Vanderbur, named in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“She really was extraordinary. She was an all-star cheerleader and really good for her age of eight, not only that, but as a softball player too.”

— Tracy Bryan, Reese's father (KETV)

“Her energy was so contagious. Everyone said that she was their best friend.”

— Amanda Bryan, Reese's mother (KETV)

“Had you seen what I walked into, anyone in their right mind would have looked at our child and knew she needed help, and she needed it now.”

— Amanda Bryan, Reese's mother (KETV)

“We want truth and we want answers.”

— Amanda Bryan, Reese's mother (KETV)

“We want justice for Reese so bad.”

— Amanda Bryan, Reese's mother (KETV)

What’s next

A date has not been set yet for the jury trial for this lawsuit, and so far, none of the defendants have filed formal answers.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the critical importance of thorough medical evaluation, especially for young athletes experiencing concerning symptoms. It also raises questions about safety protocols and oversight in youth sports programs, and the Bryans hope their lawsuit will provide answers and prevent similar tragedies in the future.