The latest developments in the case of the death of a Louisville cheerleader, Danielle Cogswell, are absolutely horrific. Originally it was thought that Cogswell was murdered, but autopsy results show that Cogswell actually died from an overdose of heroin, amphetamines and Xanax.
In the wake of this information, Louisville has implemented mandatory drug testing for cheerleaders as well, citing the fact that they also fall under the student-athlete category.
Christine Simatacolos, an associate athletic director for student life at U of L, said the university was “saddened by the coroner’s report and the circumstances surrounding Dani’s death.”
“We have continued to provide support for our spirit team members as they have worked through their grief,” she said in a statement.
The cocktail of drugs found in Cogswell’s system wouldn’t be safe for anyone, and it’s good that the university is taking notice of something that could be a potentially larger problem within their cheerleading community.
[h/t USA Today]