Cheerleader Death In Louisville: Cause Investigated As ‘Overdose’

The death of a Kentucky cheerleader near Louisville University on Monday provided investigators with more clues into what killed her. Dani Cogswell’s death shook up the local community, but police quickly ruled out a homicide. A new development revealed that police suspect the Louisville cheerleader died from an overdose, citing a report out Friday from New York Daily News.

Wednesday, Louisville Metro Police Department, the agency charged in investigating the cheerleader’s death, announced that it suspects the 22-year-old died from an overdose. However, it stopped short of classifying it as accidental or intentional. As they did in the early hours of the the university flier’s passing, investigators reinforced that they’re awaiting the results of toxicology reports from the autopsy.

New developments into the cheerleader’s death is bittersweet. On one hand, family, friends and the grieving Louisville community are relieved that a dangerous suspect is not on the loose and no foul play is suspected. Although the MPD homicide unit is in charge of the death investigation, sources inside the department say it is standard procedure within the department. However, it does little to lessen the impact that a talented and highly-respected person lost her life at such an early age.

Cogswell’s cheerleader coach at U of L, Todd Sharp, addressed the media one day after Dani’s death. He talked about his fondness of the young woman, among other things.

Dani absolutely fit the bill for one of our elite athletes. She is definitely at an elite status within an elite program. She was on the upper echelon of our program here. I would have never imagined we’d lose her this young.”

Dani Cogswell, originally from Washington, attended Arizona State University before she was recruited to to cheer at Louisville. Information sourced from her social media accounts show that she was actively using Twitter about 3:52 p.m. the day before she died. And less than 24 hours later, an outpouring of sympathies flooded her account, signaling her shocking death.

By all accounts, the Kentucky community is tightly-knit and known for coming together in times of adversity. Two such examples are when separate fires led to a double tragedy for one elementary school in 2009.

At a time when residents normally prepare for the Christmas holidays, a fire swept through the home of one student and destroyed all they owned. Just one day later, another house inferno killed a student who attended the same school. Immediately, locals rallied together and tended to the basic needs of both families.

The same outpouring of support is seen in the cheerleader’s death. Already, a public ceremony is being planned in her name.

Stay tuned for more on this developing story.

[Image: New York Daily News via Facebook]