Cheerleader's Tragic Death in Golf Cart Accident

0:00It's March 26. This is Durham News Today, driven by AI. A 13-year-old cheerleader from Woodland Heights Middle School in Mooresville, North Carolina has died following a golf cart accident. Julia Rooney passed away on Monday, March 23, with local police confirming the news two days later on Wednesday. She was riding in the front passenger seat with friends in a neighborhood around 5 p.m., when she fell out as the cart made a slight turn. She'll say speed did not play a role, though other passengers suffered injuries. The school community has rallied around those affected, sending messages of support and making counselors available for students and staff. Her cheer group, ATA Cheer-Like Norman, where she competed, opened their gym as a space for grieving families and teammates. Investigators brought in a crash reconstruction team on Tuesday, March 24, to figure out the exact sequence of events. This heartbreaking loss reminds us how quickly things can change, and our hearts go out to Julia's loved ones as they navigate the days ahead.