Atascosa, Texas – A heart-wrenching tragedy has unfolded in Texas after a 12-year-old cheerleader passed away due to alleged medical neglect. Miranda Sipps, a bright and promising athlete, succumbed to her injuries on Monday, August 12, following a critical incident that occurred four days prior.
According to the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office, Sipps sustained severe and life-threatening injuries on Thursday, August 8, and instead of seeking immediate medical attention, her mother, Denise Balbaneda (36), and stepfather, Gerald Gonzales (40), reportedly attempted to treat her at home using unconventional methods.
Authorities allege the parents primarily relied on smoothies and vitamins to care for the critically injured child.
A statement released said: “The investigation revealed the parents failed to seek medical assistance for the girl, even though she was mentally and physically incapacitated and non-responsive. It appears the mother finally called 9-1-1 when the girl went into respiratory distress.”
Sheriff David Soward described the harrowing situation, stating that Sipps was largely unconscious for the four days leading up to her death. Despite her critical condition, the parents allegedly kept her at home on a pallet, attempting to nourish her with smoothies while administering vitamins. It was only when the young girl’s condition deteriorated significantly, with respiratory distress, that they finally called 911.
Tragically, Sipps was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after arrival.
Soward said during a news conference: “Basically they thought they could nurse her back to health, and we do not think they wanted the attention that this would draw if the little girl was injured, which is strangely ironic, but that was their line of thinking.”
When asked about the condition of Sipps when police arrived on the scene, Soward answered: “not 100% sure,” but said she “could flutter her eyes and move her hands a little bit.”
After the 911 call was placed, Emergency Responders met Sipps being transported en route to the hospital. Soward believes the girl’s mother left the house because she didn’t want police officers going into the house.
Balbaneda and Gonzales have been arrested on charges related to child endangerment. The autopsy report is pending, and as the investigation unfolds, the full extent of their alleged neglect is becoming increasingly apparent.
