Bailey Mathis, a 28-year-old former lacrosse player and cheerleader from Nebraska, tragically passed away on September 17, 2025.
The cause of her passing has not yet been publicly revealed.
Following the heartbreaking news, Bailey’s mother, Brenda Mathis, shared:
One of Bailey’s close friends, Marisa, expressed her grief:
I lost one of my closest friends. I will forever cherish the moments we had together. Dammit Bailey, my heart hurts. My heart hurts for you, your family, and everyone who was lucky enough to know you. Your contagious laugh will be forever missed. Prayers to the family, friends, and everyone grieving. If you can, please donate to help with funeral expenses.
Via Facebook
Another friend wrote:
My heart has been ripped right out of my chest. I could not breathe when my phone rang today. I cannot find the words. All I know is that I will see you again. As I sat with my mom and Brenda today, I couldn’t help but stare in complete shock that two best friends have lost their children. May God wrap His arms around Brenda Chudomelka-Mathis, Hayden Frink, and their entire family. Bailey was such a bright, loving, and caring soul. I will miss you and love you forever, Bailey JoAnn.
Via Facebook
Alex Kuhl has organized a fundraiser to help with Bailey Mathis’ funeral expenses.
So far, $6,890 USD has been raised out of a $19,000 goal.
The organizer, Alex, shared:
As Bailey’s family prepares to honor her life next week in Blair, Nebraska, we are asking for support to help cover the costs of her service and ease the financial burden on her loved ones as they navigate this unimaginable loss. Donations will directly assist with the cost of Bailey’s service, and anything beyond what is needed will go toward supporting her family during this heartbreaking time. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and love. Please keep Bailey’s family in your thoughts and prayers as they grieve and remember the bright light she was to us all. Forever dancing, forever singing, forever in our hearts.
Via GoFundMe
Funeral services for Bailey are scheduled to take place next week in Blair, Nebraska, with specific dates and times to be announced. Graveside services will follow at Blair Cemetery.
Bailey Mathis brought joy, love, and laughter to everyone who knew her.
Her bright smile, warm hugs, and happy spirit made people feel special. She touched many lives, and she will be deeply missed.
From Lacrosse Fields to Hospital Halls: The Inspiring Journey of Bailey Mathis
Bailey Mathis was born on April 29, 1997, in West Point, Nebraska, to her mother, Brenda.
She attended Wisner-Pilger Schools and graduated in 2015. During high school, she excelled as a dancer, cheerleader, and athlete.
Bailey had an impressive lacrosse career, earning multiple Patriot League honors and starting in nearly every game during her high school and college years.
Bailey Mathis was a four-year starter for the Greyhounds and earned regional All-American honors for her outstanding lacrosse performance.
As a defender, she was the team’s top match-up player, finishing her career with 55 ground balls, 62 draw controls, and 45 caused turnovers while playing in all 82 games.
She also contributed as a midfielder during her sophomore year, scoring three goals and showing her versatility on the field.
Bailey was a three-time All-Patriot League award winner, named Patriot League Rookie of the Week in 2014, and invited to the US National Team tryouts in 2016.
Academically, she excelled as well, earning Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2017, making the All-Academic Team three times, and later being drafted by the New England Command in the Women’s Professional Lacrosse League.
In 2017, she was named Director of Operations for the University of Denver women’s lacrosse program under Coach Liza Kelly. Following this, Mathis said:
I am so thrilled that Liza has granted me the opportunity to continue to stay involved with college athletics. As a former Division I lacrosse player, I understand just how important the director of operations position is in ensuring the success of a program. I am eager to help the coaching staff in any way that I can. I can’t wait to get to know the girls and hopefully be able to share some of my past experiences with them, so that their collegiate experience is the best that it can possibly be.
Via Denverpioneers
After high school, Bailey studied at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, focusing on the medical field.
She became a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked at Methodist Hospital, OrthoNebraska, and Children’s Hospital in the Hematology and Oncology Departments.
She brought comfort, compassion, and joy to children and their families every day.
Bailey loved life and pursued her passions fully. She enjoyed dancing, singing, karaoke, concerts, Husker games, and playing golf.
She had a contagious laugh, a keen eye for fashion, and a special love for Dolly Parton.
Bailey is survived by her mother, Brenda Mathis; her sisters, Hayden and Jocelyn; her brothers, Jonathan, Jordan, and Jace; her grandparents, Patty and Allen Hanson, and Doug Chudomelka; her extended family; numerous friends; and her beloved fur baby, Poppy.
