In a tragic incident that has left the community in shock, Chiara Jones, a cheerleader at Newark Arts High School in Newark, New Jersey, was critically injured in a hit-and-run accident on February 4, 2024. The incident occurred as Chiara was returning to the school after a cheerleading competition. At approximately 10:15 p.m., she was struck by a vehicle driven by Mia’Jah Burton, who was allegedly not paying attention and failed to activate the red flashing lights and extend the stop arm, leading to the collision. Chiara was severely injured, suffering from a serious head injury, numerous fractures, and the loss of several teeth. She remains in critical condition at University Medical Center, more than a month after the incident.
Key Facts:
- The hit-and-run incident involving a high school cheerleader has brought attention to the high rate of injuries in cheerleading, particularly among female athletes.
- Cheerleading has been associated with a significant number of catastrophic injuries, with collegiate cheerleading accounting for the majority of these injuries.
- Safety recommendations for cheerleading include proper training for cheerleaders and coaches, supervision of practice sessions, and the prohibition of high-risk stunts without proper safety measures.
- The incident underscores the need for cheerleading to be recognized as a full-contact sport, similar to the ruling in Wisconsin, to ensure it receives the same safety and funding benefits as other sports.
- There is a critical need for a comprehensive injury data collection system for cheerleading, similar to those in place for other sports, to help in the development and implementation of effective injury prevention strategies.
The driver, Mia’Jah Burton, fled the scene but was apprehended on March 1, 2024. She is currently facing charges that include leaving the scene of a crash, assault by auto, hindering, filing a false police report, and related offenses. Burton is being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.
The incident has not only left Chiara in critical condition but has also deeply affected her family and the community. The parents of Chiara, Tomeika and Stanley Jones, have filed a lawsuit against the Newark Board of Education, seeking $150 million in damages for medical bills, life care costs, and emotional suffering. The lawsuit highlights the severity of the incident and the tragic loss of a young woman with a bright future ahead.
The community, including the school and the cheerleading team, has rallied around Chiara and her family during this difficult time. Counseling has been made available for other students at the school, and the community has shown support through various means, including social media and local news outlets.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise from distracted driving and the importance of vigilance and safety measures, especially in areas frequented by pedestrians and school buses. The case has sparked discussions about road safety, the responsibilities of drivers, and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws to protect the vulnerable members of our society.
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