Rookie Eagles Reeling After Girlfriend’s Arrest, Ends Relationship Following Infant Tragedy

Former University of Kentucky student-athlete Laken Snelling, 21, has been taken into custody after police discovered her newborn infant deceased inside a closet wrapped in a trash bag. Authorities say the tragic discovery was made on August 31 in Lexington, where officers responded to a call regarding an unresponsive infant.

According to police reports, the infant was declared deceased at the scene. Snelling was charged with tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant, and abuse of a corpse. She has pleaded not guilty.

Court filings noted that the newborn was found wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag. Snelling has since been released on a $100,000 bond and placed under house arrest. Officials confirmed she admitted to giving birth.

Snelling, once a member of Kentucky’s STUNT cheer team, had continued to perform publicly before dropping out of school.

It was later revealed that Snelling had been in a relationship with Eagles practice squad player Hollin Pierce, who had been pursuing his NFL career in Philadelphia. Pierce had been in a long-distance relationship with her since April, after being signed by the Eagles and joining the practice squad.

Sources close to Pierce say he was completely unaware his girlfriend was pregnant. He reportedly reacted with shock upon hearing the news. In a statement, he said:
“I’m devastated. I had no idea she was pregnant, and to find out like this — that my own child was abandoned — it’s something I can’t forgive. My focus now is on football and moving forward. I’ve ended my relationship with Laken and want no part in what she has done.”

The case has sparked widespread discussion both in Lexington and Philadelphia, raising troubling questions about personal responsibility and the hidden struggles behind public figures.