Why did the bird die?

Okay yesterday me and my brother were in the living room and we heard a screaming noise. We both ran outside, cause we have three cats that roam around and catch birds. Well we didn't see anything; came in, and noticed that one of our cats had a house sparrow in her mouth. We got the bird away from our cat and nursed in for the night. Me and my sister took care of the bird the next day and we noticed that the bird had a puncture wound. We thought that it would just heal and be able to fly soon. But for the two days so far we had the bird. My sister, mom, and dad would pick her up. Earlier today, my dad asked me if I ever held her, and I said no. So he held out his hands and gave her to me; the first time I held her. I wasn't holding her wrong at all; a couple seconds later she puts her head down and dies. I only held her for about 5 seconds and she died. My question is why didn't she die in my dad's hands or anyone else?