A bright light went out in Naples, Florida, as Lailah Price, a 7-year-old cheerleader for the Naples Gators Mighty Mites, died at 7:13 AM after having a sudden seizure on June 7, 2025.
Olivia Leedham is now a single parent, facing a huge loss as she has to deal with this sadness while also caring for her 10-year-old son, Kaden.
Lailah was one of joy, love, and a spirit that touched everyone she met.
Born on July 13, 2017, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Lailah Del-Rae Price was a gift to her parents, Olivia Leedham and Thomas Price and raised alongside her two older brothers, Kaden Eason and Riley Price, Lailah grew up under the warm Carolina sun, her laughter filling the air in Wilmington and Hampstead.
From her earliest days, Lailah’s sweetness and wonder shone through. She was a rare spirit—imaginative, kind, and brimming with love.
Lailah’s childhood was rich with simple joys. She spent sunny days playing with her brothers, sneaking to her great-grandparents’ house for popsicles and chocolates, or paddling in a kayak with her mom.
Visits to her dad’s house promised adventure and her favorite treat, Mickey D’s ice cream.
Whether dancing to her favorite songs or singing with abandon, Lailah’s energy was infectious.
Her twinkling toes and fingertips seemed to carry melodies, her spirit always dancing along.
Lailah Found A New Home With The Naples Gators Youth Football And Cheer Association
When Olivia, Kaden, and Lailah moved to Naples, Florida, Lailah discovered a new community through the Naples Gators Youth Football & Cheer Association.
As a Mighty Mites cheerleader, she shone brightly, her long legs making her swift and her energy unstoppable.
Alongside her best friend, Sadie Murrin, Lailah found a sense of sisterhood in the cheer squad.
She took huge pride in cheering for her brother Kaden’s 11U football team, soaring as a flyer with the same courage her mother once did as a cheerleader.
Lailah’s presence on the squad was a gift.
The Naples Gators shared their heartbreak in a statement:
For Olivia Leedham, Lailah was more than a daughter; she was a light that guided her through life’s storms.
As a single mother, Olivia worked tirelessly to provide for Lailah and Kaden.
By day, she styled hair as a hairstylist and barber at Roosters Men’s Grooming Center and Jeff’s Barber Shop in Naples.
By her dreams, she pursued a career as a real estate agent at John R. Wood Properties, building a future for her children.
Olivia’s strength was tested in 2019 when she fought for and won sole custody of Kaden, her oldest son, from his father, Teen Mom star David Eason.
Through every challenge, Lailah’s smile was Olivia’s anchor.
Lailah’s passing came as a devastating shock.
She had visited the emergency room several times in the months prior, but doctors could not pinpoint a diagnosis.
On Friday, June 6, 2025, Lailah was readmitted to the hospital. That night, she suffered a seizure and slipped away early the next morning.
The suddenness of her loss left Olivia and her family reeling.
Lailah’s father, Thomas Price, and her whole family are also facing the pain of her absence.
Rachael Mills, a family member, shared her grief:
“Rest peacefully sweet girl. I’m so sorry this happened
Via FacebookMy heart is shattered for everyone including my nephew who has to try to navigate the loss of his sister. Continue to pray for Thomas Price & Olivia Leedham as they prepare to lay their daughter to rest. Pray for my brother & sister in law as they are not only grieving but helping their son through grief. This just isn’t fair at all. My heart is heavy. Go hug your loved ones & tell them you love them.”
Lailah’s life was a testament to kindness and connection.
She began her schooling at Creative Mind Preschool in Wilmington, where her joyful nature blossomed.
At Wilmington Christian Academy, she took her first steps in faith. After moving to Naples, she thrived at Osceola Elementary School, completing first and second grade with a bright curiosity.
Lailah was a natural artist and writer, crafting thoughtful notes and drawings that lifted hearts. Her creativity was boundless, her kindness endless.
Lailah’s love grew beyond her immediate family to her teammates, friends, and everyone she met.
Chelle Bishop Losano, a family friend, wrote,
After Lailah Passed Away, Her Community Came Together To Support Olivia And Kaden
Friends and family set up a GoFundMe to ease the financial burden of funeral costs, time away from work, and unexpected expenses.
With a goal of $15K, the fundraiser has already raised over $15K, a testament to Lailah’s impact.
A Meal Train has also been organized to provide dinners as they face their grief.
Lailah’s funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Life Church, 5215 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC, officiated by Deacon Bobby Jenkins.
A burial will follow at 3:30 PM at the Rand Family Cemetery in Richlands, NC. The service will be a chance for loved ones to honor Lailah’s memory and celebrate her radiant life.
Lailah Price’s time on earth was brief, but her light was eternal.
She reminded those around her to cherish each moment, to love without hesitation, and to hold family close.
For Lailah Price’s mother, Olivia Leedham, the road ahead is heavy with grief, but she finds comfort in the love Lailah left behind.
In every note, every drawing, every memory, Lailah’s spirit dances on.
Rest In Peace, Lailah
