A TEENAGE cheerleader has been left fighting for her life after she was shot in a senseless act of violence following cheer practice.
Payton Washington, 18, was returning home from training just east of Austin, Texas when one of her teammates mistakenly attempted to get into the wrong car, leading the driver to fire shots at the girls.
The driver, Pedro Tello Rodriguez Jr., 25, ditched the parking lot shortly after the shooting, leading to an overnight police search.
He was arrested on April 18 and charged with deadly conduct. Law enforcement noted that he could face additional charges.
Washington was quickly airlifted to a local hospital and remains in intensive care. One of the other cheerleaders was also treated and released at the scene.
“It was a harrowing night for all four of those girls,” Woodlands Elite Cheer Owner Lynne Shearer told local Fox affiliate KTBC.
Washington’s coach firmly believes that she will make a full recovery.
“She literally was born with one lung, so she from the very beginning as a baby, she wasn’t even expected to survive, let alone, excel in athletics, so she’s surpassed a lot of things already,” Shearer said.
Shearer described Washington as a top athlete, who has risen to national recognition.
“She’s literally an icon in the world of all-star cheerleader. I mean, definitely at our gym, but literally all around the country she has so many little kids look up to her,” Shearer said.
Before the tragic shooting took place, Washington was set to compete in her final All-Star Cheerleader World Championships over the weekend.
“She’s won every title there is to win in All-Star cheerleader except for a world title, so that makes this super heartbreaking for her,” Shearer said.
The cheer coach added that the team will be “competing for her,” over the weekend.
Shearer is still very optimistic that the star athlete will make a full recovery so she can continue her career at the college level.
She is already signed to start on the Baylor Acrobatics and Tumbling team in the fall.
“Payton is a strong young lady, if you know her, you know that about her,” noted Felecia Mulkey, the Baylor Acrobatics and Tumbling Coach, in a statement. “I have no doubt she’s going to get through this.”
The Baylor cheer coach offered prayers to Washington and her teammates.
“We want to lift up the athletes and their families during this difficult time. We love Payton, and we wish her well as she recovers,” she continued.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help Washington’s family with the medical costs.
