What started as a competitive high school track meet quickly turned into a controversial incident when Kaelen Tucker, a junior at Brookville High School, was struck in the head with a baton by a runner from IC Norcom High School during a 4×200-meter relay race.
Tucker’s Account: “I Just Knew I Got Hit”
On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, during the VHSL Class 3 State Indoor Championships at Liberty University, Tucker was running the second leg (second runner on a 4-person team) of the relay when she attempted to move into lane one and pass IC Norcom senior Alaila Everett.
As Tucker rounded the curve, she said she felt Everett cutting into her space.
She then tried to pass Everett, and when she eventually did, she was allegedly struck in the back of the head with a baton.
In an interview with WSET ABC 13, Tucker recalled, “I didn’t even know what happened. I just knew I got hit in the head, and I fell off the track.”
Following that, her mother, Tamarro Tucker, and the event’s medical staff rushed over to give medical assistance.
Diagnosed with a Concussion and Possible Skull Fracture
Tucker immediately felt a headache, and after a medical evaluation, doctors diagnosed her with a concussion and a possible skull fracture.
IC Norcom Disqualified, but No Apology Given
According to WSLS, officials disqualified IC Norcom’s relay team due to violations.
Tucker’s family was frustrated, not just by the injury but by what they saw as a lack of accountability.
Tucker’s mother said they stood near IC Norcom’s team as they reviewed video footage of the incident, yet no one from the team or coaching staff approached them to check on Tucker or apologized.
Everett Speaks Out: “It Was an Accident”
As video of the incident spread, many online users accused Alaila Everett of hitting Tucker on purpose.
However, Everett and her family insisted that it was accidental.
In an interview with WAVY TV 10, Everett explained that her baton got stuck behind Tucker’s back as they rounded the curve.
She then lost her balance and, in trying to steady herself, her arm swung forward, making contact with Tucker’s head.
Everett said, “I know my intentions, and I would never hit somebody on purpose.”
Everett’s Parents Defended Daughter
Her parents also defended her, arguing that she had been unfairly judged based on the video, stating their daughter “would never do that to nobody.”
A local USA Track and Field official told the news outlet that Tucker may not have been fully ahead before cutting in, meaning the contact could have been a racing accident rather than an intentional act.
Online Harassment and Legal Battle
Everett’s family says the backlash has been overwhelming. She has received online harassment, racial slurs, and even death threats.
“Everybody hates our guts already,” Everett’s father said, adding that they were served with court papers and now have to travel three hours away for legal proceedings.
Apology Not Accepted?
Meanwhile, Tucker’s family has been vocal about wanting an apology.
Everett claims she tried to apologize but was blocked on social media, making it difficult to communicate.
Everett Charged with Assault and Battery
In a recent development, On March 12, the Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office charged Everett with one count of assault and battery.
The Tuckers have also served the Everett family with an order of protection.
What Happens Next?
With Everett now facing an assault and battery charge and the Tuckers obtaining an order of protection, the case has officially moved into legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, the Virginia High School League (VHSL) has not yet released its final decision on the incident.
Photos courtesy of Tamarro Tucker, screengrabs from Youtube and Tiktok videos.
Watch the videos here:
@abcnewsaus A high school sprinter was disqualified after she hit a fellow racer over the head with a baton during a relay. Video: WSET ABC 13. To personalise your news & stay in the know, download the ABC News app via the link our bio. #ABCNews #Race #TrackAndField #Track #Athlete
Photo credits: Screengrabs from Youtube videos and courtesy of Tamarro Tucker.
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