/ by Matt Weyrich. We extend our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to Sarahs family, friends and Badger teammates during this extraordinarily difficult time. The Dukes' doubleheader on . In a combined statement, JMU president Jonathan Alger and athletic director Jeff Bourne said their "hearts are aching" over the death of the young softball star. Fellow pitcher Alexis Bermudez tweeted she loves Bernett and hopes she's "with all the puppies (she) can handle.". ", Lauren Bernett has been named the conference Player of the Week after her impressive performance this weekend! https://t.co/954Q6Gnhe2#GoDukes pic.twitter.com/ssxzJh6uTA. Crisis Text Linealso provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741. We will use this time to continue healing and to honor Lauren's memory while finishing the academic semester strong. Bernett was a sophomore from McDonald, Pennsylvania. We love you, Lauren, the JMU softball team said in a tweet on Tuesday. The death of a James Madison softball star Lauren Bernett has been classified . Shulze, of Oak Park, California, earned Academic All-Big Ten honors for the 2020 and 2021 cross country seasons, as well as 2021 for track. A cause of death was not provided. I love you Lauren pic.twitter.com/lDVFWykasX, Former JMU star Odicci Alexander, Softball America's 2021 Pitcher of the Year, wrote "Love you LB" with a broken heart emoji two minutes before tweeting "You really never know what someone is going through.". "Like you, we are shocked and grief stricken while holding on tightly to all that Sarah was. ", "Our thoughts are with her family; her coaches, teammates and friends; the rest of our department staff and student-athletes; and the entire JMU community. Yes! Most importantly, we're thinking about our graduating seniors whose careers have come to an abrupt conclusion.". She was 7-of-9 at the plate with seven RBI and four runs as JMU swept Drexel over the weekend. The University announced its home softball doubleheader against Longwood University on Wednesday has subsequently been canceled. MORE: Mental health resources for student-athletes becoming priority at colleges. Sarah was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, friend, teammate and Badger student-athlete, the university said in a statement. We are grateful that Lauren has been part of our JMU athletics community and will always consider her to be a Duke. "Lauren Bernett was a high-achieving member of our softball team and a great ambassador of JMU and our athletics program. Photo: Colin E. Braley/ap. Bernett started 43 games as a freshman in 2021 and hit .235 with three homers and 10 RBIs. The Dukes' doubleheaderon Wednesday against Longwood wascanceled and the school sent out messages offeringsupport for mental health. James Madison softball player Lauren Bernett has died, the school announced Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/vDCFuWCxya, We join James Madison in mourning the loss of Lauren Bernett.Our condolences go out to her family, friends and teammates. If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S.National Suicide Prevention Lifelineat 800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night. Crisis Text Linealso provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741. The school did not release a cause of death in its announcement. Lauren Bernettwas a high-achieving member of our softball team and a great ambassador of JMU and our athletics program. Bernett was a sophomore from McDonald, Pennsylvania. JMU beat Liberty and Tennessee to win the Knoxville regional and then took down Missouri in three games to advance to the College World Series. Lauren Bernett has been named the conference Player of the Week after her impressive performance this weekend! James Madison University softball player Lauren Bernett has died, the school announced Tuesday . We are grateful that Lauren has been part of our JMU Athletics community and will always consider her to be a Duke," they said. She was 20 years old. Bernett was hitting .336 in 107 at bats so far this season. "Her deep compassion was evident in her devotion to her sisters Abbey and Ella, the love her parents felt from her every single day, and the extra care she took in moments shared with her grandparents and cousins.. Utility playerKayla Boseman wrote Bernett will "never be forgotten" while catcher/outfielderEmily Phillips added she's going to miss her "more than anything." He has a B.A. PitcherMeredith Wells called Bernett "a light to so many." In a statement announcing the sad news Tuesday morning: Our hearts are aching, hearing the news of the loss of one of our student-athletes, officials said We are a tight family. Alex Riley (@ByAlexRiley) April 26, 2022, Two female college athletes died this week, one confirmed suicide:Sarah Shulze - University of Wisconsin trackLauren Bernett - James Madison softballAbsolutely heartbreaking. Gunman Shoots Homeless Man Point Blank In The Head, Despite Being Locked Up for Megan Shooting, Suspended For Spitting On Drew Doughty In Game, 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS,INC. She was an integral part of the James Madison. She recorded four of her seven hits of the series on Sunday, which also included a home run. She was 20. Balancing athletics, academics and the demands of everyday life overwhelmed her in a single, desperate moment," the family said in a statement. A cause of death has been revealed for James Madison University softball star Lauren Bernett. 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Dave 'Softy' Mahler & Dick Fain Interviews, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The James Madison University softball team has canceled all remaining games of the 2022 season following the death of star catcher Lauren Bernett, head coach Loren LaPorte announced Monday.. Keep shining. Report: JMU Softball Player Lauren Bernett Died by Suicide Madeline Coleman Apr 28, 2022 Editor's note: If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in emotional distress,. The news of Bernett's death comes just a day after she was named Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Week. She had easily eclipsed those totals in 2022 with nine homers and 33 RBI while increasing her slugging percentage by 250 points. The school announced her death Tuesday, and the following day Rockingham County Sheriff Bryan Hutcheson classified it as an apparent suicide,according to the Associated Press. "Our primary focus is the support of the Shulze family and our student-athletes.. "College athletics is great because of the people with whom we get to interact every day," a school statement read. Her reactions were as memorable as her play. The Odd Couple with Chris Broussard & Rob Parker, The Odd Couple w/ Chris Broussard & Rob Parker, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The school announced her death Tuesday, and the following day . The release also announced the cancellation of JMU softball's Wednesday doubleheader against Longwood and offered several mental-health resources. James Madison University softball player Lauren Bernett died by suicide, the Western Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Virginia said Thursday. According to the medical examiner's. It rained all day yesterday and then this happened. Bernett, a sophomore, was a star catcher for the Dukes and had just had arguably her best week ever on the diamond for JMU, reports TMZ. The Dukes had already canceled five games last week. Shulzes family announced the devastating news, saying she "took her own life" earlier in April. By THECOUNT.COM "ALWAYS OPEN! The. Last month, the parents of Stanford Women's Soccer goalie Katie Meyer revealed their daughter had died by suicide during an emotional interview with NBC's TODAY Show. We are a tight family. She tied the school record for RBI in a single game with seven on April 16. May 2, 2022. "College athletics is great because of the people with whom we get to interact every day. JMU Nation is a close community, and we grieve together.". Bernett was named the Colonial Athletic Associations player of the week on Monday. he James Madison softball team announced Monday it canceled the final four games of its 2022 season after sophomore catcher Lauren Bernett died last week. JMU Nation is a close community, and we grieve together. I love you forever and always. Bernett was named the CAA Player of the Week earlier this week, batting .778 with seven RBIs in a three-game stretch. We are a tight family. Lauren Bernettwas a high-achieving member of our softball team and a great ambassador of JMU and our athletics program. Eli Lilly cuts insulin prices up to 70% amid federal pressure to lower costs of life-saving medication, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The American college sports community has been left heartbroken by another tragedy, after news that James Madison University (JMU) softball star Lauren Bernett has died at the age of 20. ", "Our thoughts are with her family; her coaches, teammates and friends; the rest of our department staff and student-athletes; and the entire JMU community. The team has canceled its Wednesday doubleheader against Longwood in wake of Bernetts death. Tragic news James Madison University softball star Lauren Bernett -- who was just named Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Week on Monday -- has died, the school announced. Ms. Bernett's manner. I am so thankful that you were put in my life, and I will always cherish the time I had with you on the field and off the field. In their statement, Alger and Bourne called the 20-year-old a "key member" of the school's Women's College World Series team last year. If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S.National Suicide Prevention Lifelineat 800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night. Get TMZ breaking news sent right to your browser! CNN James Madison University has announced the death of softball athlete Lauren Bernett - one of the key players of the 2021 Women's College World Series. Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world. James Madison softball player Lauren Bernett, who helped the Dukes reach last year's Women's College World Series, has died at age 20. ", "Our hearts are aching, hearing the news of the loss of one of our student-athletes," officials said "We are a tight family. Four of those hits went for extra bases. Teen, 15, Stabbed to Death at School by Alleged Campus Intruder Who Randomly Targeted Her, HBCU President Says Drug Search of Team's Bus Was Racially Motivated, Athlete Calls It 'Traumatizing', 2 Members of College Golf Team Who Were Critically Injured in Deadly Crash Are 'Stable and Recovering', Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Week. Bernett . Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. "Our hearts are aching, hearing the news of the loss of one of our student . We are grateful that Lauren has been part of our JMU Athletics community and will always consider her to be a Duke. No cause of death was. James Madison announced Tuesday that softball team catcher Lauren Bernett had died. James Madison University is mourning the death of sophomore softball player Lauren Bernett, the school announced this week. https://t.co/QettsmChF0, Today, the JMU athletic community gathered to honor JMU softball's Lauren Bernett, who passed away yesterday.https://t.co/kY0hLvpMdH pic.twitter.com/mtT0DBNm5C, TheBreezeJMU (@TheBreezeJMU) April 27, 2022, Lauren Bernett will always be remembered by #JMUNation for her role on the @JMUSoftball WCWS team. Washington. Bernett, 20, played a major role. FOX Sports Radio. Her teammate, Lexi Rogers, also earned Rookie of the Week honors. Hutcheson confirmed the 20-year-old's death is being classified as such, however, an investigation is ongoing and an official report from the medical . "We are a tight family. We are grateful that Lauren has been part of our JMU Athletics community and will always consider her to be a Duke. The Dukes' home doubleheader against Longwood on Wednesday was canceled. James Madison University softball player Lauren Bernett died by suicide, the Western Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Virginia said Thursday. Odicci Alexander (@2seas__) April 26, 2022. Lauren Bernett was a member of JMU's 2021 College World Series-winning team. She was 7-of-9 at the plate with seven RBI and four runs as JMU swept Drexel over the weekend. You looked so good yesterday. Send me email updates and offers from TMZ and its Affiliates. On the day that doubleheader was set to take place, the Dukes announced this weekend's three-game series against Delaware is also cancelled. We will miss her dearly. She had just earned Colonial Athletic Association. "We will miss her dearly.". She was a key member of our 2021 Women's College World Series team as a freshman catcher last year," Alger said in a statement released toJMUSports.com. Four games, one against Virginia and. James Madison softball was one of the most fun stories of the 2021 spring college sports season. "We are a tight family. "The official report from the medical examiner's office is pending, and out of respect for her family and friends, there is no other information to release at this time," Hutcheson told the AP via email. James Madison announced Tuesday that softball team catcher Lauren Bernett had died. We will miss her dearly.. Bernett, a sophomore, was a star catcher for the Dukes and had just had arguably her best week ever on the diamond for JMU. She was a key member of our 2021 Women's College World Series team as a freshman catcher last year," Alger said in a statement released to JMUSports.com. Bernett's shocking death was announced Tuesday by the university. The announcement of Bernett's death came a day after the Colonial Athletic Association named her its Player of the Week. Sarah Shulze, a member of the University of Wisconsin's women's track and field and cross-country teams, was reported to have died by suicide earlier this month at the age of 21,NBC Newsreported on Monday. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Earlier this week, Bernett wasnamed Colonial Athletic AssociationPlayer of the Weekas the Dukes swept a three-game setfrom Drexel. James Madison president Jonathan Alber announced Bernett's death on Tuesday (April 26), just days after she was named as the Colonial Athletic Association's Player of the Week and months removed propelling the softball team to a Women's College World Series tournament appearance last season. Authorities with the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office announced that Bernett's death has. Meyer, 22, a senior majoring in International Relations and minoring in History, was a team captain for the Cardinal, guiding Stanford to a 2019 national championship as a redshirt freshman. On Monday, the CAA handed her its Player of the Week award for her performances. She was 20. The Premiere Sports Lineup in the Nation! As we previously reported, JMU officials announced on Tuesday that Bernett -- a sophomore catcher for the Dukes -- had died at the age of 20. STAY UP-TO-DATE: Subscribe to our Sports newsletter now! We are grateful that Lauren has been part of our JMU Athletics community and will always consider her to be a Duke. T. "This was an extremely difficult decision and one that was not made lightly," head coach Loren LaPorte said in a statement. A terrible reminder of life's unfairness. Hutcheson declined to give any further details, but he said an investigation into Bernett's death is ongoing. Infielder Jasmine Hall shared a video of herself singing with Bernett, adding she'll "always cherish" the time she had with her. James Madison president Jonathan Alber announced Bernett's death on Tuesday (April 26), just days after she was named as the Colonial Athletic Association's Player of the Week and months removed propelling the softball team to a Women's College World Series tournament appearance last season. Series-Winning team tweeted she loves Bernett and hopes she 's `` with all the puppies she! For RBI in a single game with seven RBIs in a three-game stretch.235 with homers., but he said an investigation into Bernett 's death comes just a after... On Tuesday Lexi Rogers, also earned Rookie of the Week earlier this Week, wasnamed! 'S `` with all the puppies ( she ) can handle. `` freshman in 2021 and hit with... Teammates during this extraordinarily difficult time the following day her death Tuesday, we... 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