Cheer squad who lost teammate tries to raise money for tournament trip

DETROIT (WJBK) - Cheerleaders from the Police Athletic League's West Side Cubs are trying to raise enough money to go to a national tournament in Orlando, Florida.

The tournament is very important to these girls and their parents because last month their teammate, 9-year-old Adriana Douglas, died while they were in Chicago at a competition. The girl drowned in a swimming pool at the hotel. The team vowed that they would make it to nationals and dedicate their run to her.

"She's up in heaven, cheerleading for the Lord," says Vanessa Jackson, a league organizer. "They want to go there in her honor."

Those close with the squad have set up GoFundMe accounts in hopes of raising enough money to get to nationals. They're hoping to raise $6,000. If they cannot get there by Thursday night, they will have to forfeit.

If you'd like to make a donation to the squad, you can do so at one of their GoFundMe accounts here or here.

Police are continuing to investigate the drowning incident at the hotel in Chicago. At this time, there's no evidence of any malfunction with the swimming pool.