Paralyzed SJSU Cheerleader Plans to File Suit

By Merylee Robbins

Published on January 20, 2006

While performing a difficult aerial acrobatic maneuver called a basket toss in cheerleading practice, Sneath fell to the ground and broke the twelfth thoracic vertebra in her spine, and, as a result, has become almost entirely paralyzed from the waist down. Because the injury to the spinal cord was incomplete, meaning the cord was not completely severed, she maintains limited sensation below the waist. She now lives in a full-time rehabilitation center, which is paid for by her parents. Rechelle will most likely require care of this kind for the rest of her life.

Sneath has chosen to pursue a lawsuit against the university and the former cheerleading coach due to the circumstances and severity of her accident. Coach, Jenise Mills did not have the appropriate training to oversee such potentially dangerous maneuvers. Sneath's suit alleges that Mills training as a dance instructor did not prepare her for the safety challenges posed by highly competitive college cheerleading. The lawsuit also states that the routine that Mills designed incorporated an airborne stunt that Sneath had never performed and felt pressure to execute despite her reservations. While performing the stunt, the suit claims that adequate safety precautions were not taken; only one of the three spotters required were present, leaving Sneath extremely vulnerable in the event of an accident.

Sneath seeks to obtain compensation for past, present and future care, as well as loss of quality of life.

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