James Madison softball player Lauren Bernett, who helped the Dukes reach last year’s Women’s College World Series, has died at the age of 20, according to The Associated Press.
Hutcheson declined to give further details but said an inquest into Bernett’s death was ongoing.
“The official report from the coroner’s office is pending, and out of respect for her family and friends, there is no further information to be released at this time,” Hutcheson told the AP via email.
In a joint statement announcing Bernett’s death, JMU President Jonathan Alger and Athletic Director Jeff Bourne said their “hearts ached” at the death of Bernett, who they described as “a powerful member of our softball team and a great ambassador for the.” JMU” and our athletics program.”
“We are grateful that Lauren has been a part of our JMU athletics community and will always consider her the Duchess,” her statement read. “We will miss them very much.
“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. JMU Nation is a close-knit community and we mourn together.”
The publication also announced the cancellation of Wednesday’s JMU softball doubleheader against Longwood and offered several mental health resources. On the day the doubleheader was scheduled to take place, the Dukes announced that this weekend’s three-game series against Delaware would also be canceled.
The announcement of Bernett’s death came a day after the Colonial Athletic Association named her Player of the Week. The sophomore catcher earned the honor Monday after going 7-for-9 during a three-game sweep by Drexel last weekend with seven RBIs and four runs scored, including a home run.
Honoring Bernett, Liberty and Tennessee – who both played against JMU in last season’s NCAA Regionals – wore purple ribbons during their softball game Wednesday. Liberty, the host school, also painted Bernett’s initials and number on the field.
Many of Bernett’s teammates shared their reactions to the tragic news on social media. utility player Kayla Boseman wrote Bernett will “never be forgotten” as a catcher/outfielder. Emily Phillips added She will miss her “more than anything”. jug Meredith Wells called Bernett “a light to so many.” Fellow pitcher Alexis Bermudez tweeted She loves Bernett and hopes that she “can handle all the puppies (she)”.
Infielder Jasmine Hall shared a video of herself singing with Bernett, adding that she will “always cherish” the time she’s had with her.
A day after pitcher Alissa Humphrey tweeted The news of Bernett’s death “really hurts,” the student wrote of how her light continues to shine.
Former JMU star Odicci Alexander, Softball America’s 2021 Pitcher of the Year, wrote “Love you LB” with a broken heart emoji two minutes earlier tweet “You really never know what someone’s going through.”