(Gray News) – A 12-year-old girl in Texas died because her parents did not seek medical care after she sustained life-threatening injuries. Instead, they gave her smoothies and vitamins, authorities said.

Officials said Miranda Sipps, a cheerleader at Jourdanton Junior High School, suffered from unknown, life-threatening injuries for about four days before she tragically died Monday, WKRC reported.

Before her death, her parents, 36-year-old Denise Balbaneda and 40-year-old Gerald Gonzales, tried to treat her injuries with smoothies and vitamins.

“They tried giving her smoothies, but someone who is unconscious can’t swallow,” Soward noted.

As Miranda’s condition continued to worsen and she began having difficulty breathing, her mother finally called 911, according to the press release.

Emergency responders encountered Miranda and her mother on the highway after they left their home. Officials said Miranda was found alive but unconscious.

“She didn’t speak. All she could do was blink her eyes and move her hands a little for a period of four days,” said Atascosa County Sheriff David Soward. “And they left her on a cot in the house.”

The 12-year-old girl was pronounced dead in the emergency room.

Balbaneda and Gonzales were both arrested Tuesday and charged with injury to a child by omission, a first-degree felony.

Investigators believe the couple avoided medical attention to avoid a visit from the police.

Even after calling 911, Balbaneda left her house and encountered emergency responders on the street.

The investigation into Miranda’s death is ongoing, and a full autopsy to determine the cause of death is pending.

According to a GoFundMe page, Miranda leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter.

“She was taken from us far too soon and in an unexpected way and leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and memories that we will cherish forever,” the organizer said.

Miranda would have turned 13 later this month.

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