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 examiner's office is pending. "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. James Madison University softball player Lauren Bernett dies. 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. A cause of death was not provided. Photo: Courtesy of James Madison University. She was 20 years old. Colin E. Braley/ap. She was 20. We will miss her dearly. Bernett was hitting .336 in 107 at bats so far this season. Bernett -- who was batting .336 this season with nine home runs -- was also a key contributor to the James Madison squad that made a deep run in the 2021 Women's College World Series. 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 News reported on Monday (April 25). "Like you, we are shocked and grief stricken while holding on tightly to all that Sarah was. 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. 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. As we previously reported, JMU officials announced on Tuesday that Bernett -- a sophomore catcher for the Dukes -- had died at the age of 20. If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide please call theU.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifelineat 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or go toSpeakingOfSuicide.com/resourcesfor additional resources. ", LIVE NOW: 3 Men Convicted In Ahmaud Arbery Killing Learn Sentence, It's Official Twitter Confirms Elon Musk New Owner, Sam Bruce St. Thomas Aquinas HS Football Legend Found Dead At 24. She was 20 years old. James Madison University is mourning the death of sophomore softball player Lauren Bernett, the school announced this week. Infielder Jasmine Hall shared a video of herself singing with Bernett, adding she'll "always cherish" the time she had with her. By subscribing, I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS,INC. 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. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Odicci Alexander (@2seas__) April 26, 2022. 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,. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: general | pageType: stories | Bernett was named the Colonial Athletic Associations player of the week on Monday. Most importantly, we're thinking about our graduating seniors whose careers have come to an abrupt conclusion.". Lauren Bernett was a member of JMU's 2021 College World Series-winning team. In a game against College of Charleston on April 16, she recorded three hits and seven RBIs a JMU record. 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 . Colin Cowherd: Kevin Durant Has to Demand For Nets Ownership to Dump Kyrie, Colin Cowherd Rips Kevin Durant For Leaving the Warriors For Kyrie Irving, Rob Parker Blasts Jerry West For His Anger Towards HBO Show 'Winning Time', Shocking Video Shows Mike Tyson Pummeling Man on Commercial Flight, Colin Cowherd Says He Would Rather Have Anthony Edwards than Ja Morant, Clay Travis: Colin Kaepernick's 'Nonsensical' Martyr Shtick is Now Over, Pro Football Hall of Fame RB Says 'NFL Is Overrated, Not Really That Hard', Colin Cowherd on 'Toxic' Russell Westbrook: "I Wish He Would Retire". Liberty, the host school, also painted Bernett's initials and number onto the field. ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA. (THECOUNT) Lauren Bernett, a James Madison University softball star who on Monday was named Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Week, has died. 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. Statement from President Alger and Jeff Bourne on the loss of one of our own: pic.twitter.com/A5JBuR5RUg, James Madison Athletics (@JMUSports) April 26, 2022. JMU Nation is a close community, and we grieve together.". Ms. Bernett's manner. https://t.co/954Q6Gnhe2#GoDukes pic.twitter.com/ssxzJh6uTA, JMU Softball (@JMUSoftball) April 25, 2022. 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.". Jason Hahn is a Human Interest and Sports Reporter for PEOPLE. Above all other things, Sarah was a power for good in the world. 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. Wisconsin officials also shared their devastation while paying tribute to Shulze. James Madison announced Tuesday that softball team catcher Lauren Bernett had died. She tied the school record for RBI in a single game with seven on April 16. Lauren Bernettwas a high-achieving member of our softball team and a great ambassador of JMU and our athletics program. We are a tight family. 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. Shehit .778with seven RBIin the series. Photo: Colin E. Braley/ap. South African Rugby Player Pedrie Wannenburg Dies as Bystander in Texas Police Chase, Raiders' Daryle 'The Mad Bomber' Lamonica Dead at 80, James Madison University Softball Player Lauren Bernett's Cause of Death Revealed, Pending Official Report, James Madison University Softball Team Cancels Remainder of Season Following Death of Star Catcher, College Football Player Brexten Green, 20, Dies in Cliff-Diving Accident: 'Devastating Loss', 21-Year-Old Track Star's Family Speaks Out After Her Suicide as They Launch Foundation in Her Name, UMass Amherst Lacrosse Player Dies 'Unexpectedly' at 19: 'He Will Sorely Be Missed', Freshman Southern University Cheerleader Dead at 19 After Social Media Post Was Flagged to School, 20-Year-Old College Athlete Killed, 2 Teammates Injured After Being Hit by Car While Out on Run, Parents of Soccer Star Katie Meyer Start 'Movement for Change' 3 Months After Her Death by Suicide, Stanford Soccer Player Katie Meyer's Cause of Death Confirmed After She Was Found Dead on Campus, Katie Meyer: Stanford University Soccer Player Found Dead Inside Campus Residence at 22, Multiple People Dead After Bus Carrying University of the Southwest's Golf Teams Crashes, Quarterback Dwayne Haskins' Widow Says He'll 'Forever Rest and Remain in Our Hearts,' Announces Memorial, 'Remarkable' High School Football Player, Who Had Just Accepted College Scholarship, Dies in Crash, Calif. T. "This was an extremely difficult decision and one that was not made lightly," head coach Loren LaPorte said in a statement. "We are a tight family. We will miss her dearly. 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. The Dukes' doubleheader on . Apr 29, 2022. "Our hearts are aching, hearing the news of the loss of one of our student-athletes," James Madison University president Jonathan Alger and athletic directorJeff Bourne said in a combined statement. By THECOUNT.COM "ALWAYS OPEN! Utility playerKayla Boseman wrote Bernett will "never be forgotten" while catcher/outfielderEmily Phillips added she's going to miss her "more than anything." MORE: Mental health resources for student-athletes becoming priority at colleges. "Our hearts are aching, hearing the news of the loss of one of our student-athletes. She was 7-of-9 at the plate with seven RBI and four runs as JMU swept Drexel over the weekend. In a game against College of Charleston on April 16, she recorded three hits and seven RBIs -- a JMU record. The University announced its home softball doubleheader against Longwood University on Wednesday has subsequently been canceled. 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. We are grateful that Lauren has been part of our JMU athletics community and will always consider her to be a Duke. Bernett went 7-for-9 in the series, hitting .788 with seven RBIs and four runs scored, the school said. "Our hearts are aching, hearing the news of the loss . No cause of death has been released. She had just been named the Colonial Athletic Association's Player of the Week on Monday after a strong performance in a series against Drexel over the weekend. She had easily eclipsed those totals in 2022 with nine homers and 33 RBI while increasing her slugging percentage by 250 points. "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.. "College athletics is great because of the people with whom we get to interact every day," a school statement said. My condolences to the @JMUSoftball program, the Bernett family and all Lauren's teammates and friends. Our goal is to create a safe and engaging place for users to connect over interests and passions. STAY UP-TO-DATE: Subscribe to our Sports newsletter now! "Our hearts are aching, hearing the news of . Bernett was named the CAA Player of the Week earlier this week, batting .778 with seven RBIs in a three-game stretch. James Madison softball player Lauren Bernett has died, the school announced Tuesday. USA TODAY The James Madison University softball team canceled the remainder of its 2022 season after the death of player Lauren Bernett last Monday. May 2, 2022. 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. "College athletics is great because of the people with whom we get to interact every day. She was 20 years old. April 27 (UPI) -- James Madison softball catcher Lauren Bernett, who helped lead the university to a historic run to the Women's College World Series, died by apparent suicide, authorities said. 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. How JMU catcher Lauren Bernett's death rocked college softball and pushed it to action on mental health 0:00 2:26 Jenni Carlson Oklahoman Less than 24 hours before her team's biggest series. No cause of death was. The Western Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Virginia said Thursday that Bernett, 20, died by suicide. She was 7-of-9 at the plate with seven RBI and four runs as JMU swept Drexel over the weekend. We extend our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to Sarahs family, friends and Badger teammates during this extraordinarily difficult time. The Dukes, who made the Women's College World Series last year, will finish the . 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. 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. James Madison University softball player Lauren Bernett died by suicide, the Western Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Virginia said Thursday. Days after the sports world learned about the passing of James Madison University softball player Lauren Bernett, a cause of death has been revealed. "We love you, Lauren," the JMU softball team said in a tweet on Tuesday. 6-keys: media/spln/other/reg/free/stories, at Along with Harrisonburg, Rockingham County forms the Harrisonburg, VA, Metropolitan Statistical Area Wikipedia. We are grateful that Lauren has been part of our JMU Athletics community and will always consider her to be a Duke. We are grateful that Lauren has been part of our JMU Athletics community and will always consider her to be a Duke," they said. Lauren you are forever in our hearts. CNN James Madison University said it will cancel the remainder of its softball season as the death of student athlete Lauren Bernett was ruled a suicide. According to the medical examiner's. "Lauren Bernett was a high-achieving member of our softball team and a great ambassador of JMU and our athletics program.". "We will miss her dearly. Lauren Bernett was a JMU softball player known for being a standout in the program. Bernett was a sophomore from McDonald, Pennsylvania and an integral part of the JMU team that made it to the 2021 Women's College World Series. 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. James Madison University softball player Lauren Bernett has died, the school announced on Tuesday. The Dukes won twogames in Oklahoma City before losing back-to-back games to the eventual champion Oklahoma in the semifinals. Just days later, in a series against Drexel on April 23, she logged hits in seven of her nine at-bats. Scooby Axson, USA TODAY 4/26/2022. The team has canceled its Wednesday doubleheader against Longwood in wake of Bernett's death. 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. All Rights Reserved. ", 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. section: | slug: james-madison-university-softball-player-lauren-bernetts-death-classified-as-a-suicide-per-report | sport: other | route: article_single.us | Just a tragic loss.https://t.co/bWXNVwxyau pic.twitter.com/fWj1w5eOwS, JMU softball took the country by storm last year and Lauren Bernett played a huge part in that. We are grateful that Lauren has been part of our JMU Athletics community and will always consider her to be a Duke. Send me email updates and offers from TMZ and its Affiliates. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. The James Madison University softball team is mourning the death of their star catcher, Lauren Bernett. Bernett . Four of those hits went for extra bases. Crisis Text Linealso provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741. James Madison University softball player Lauren Bernett has died, the school announced on Tuesday. Representatives for the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. Since 2005!" ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA. (THECOUNT) Lauren Bernett, a James Madison University softball star who on Monday was named Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Week, has died. ", "Our hearts are aching, hearing the news of the loss of one of our student-athletes," officials said "We are a tight family. "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. Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world. Bernett, a sophomore catcher from McDonald, Pennsylvania, was a key contributor for James Madison last season on its way to a surprise showing inthe 2021 Women's College World Series. https://t.co/90K77ss6Il, Seton Hill Softball (@SHUgriffinsSB) April 26, 2022. Yes! Lauren Bernett, a star player on James Madison University's softball team, has died at age 20. Bernett, a sophomore catcher from McDonald, Pennsylvania, started 43 of 45 games for a James Madison team that reached the College World Series. If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide please call theU.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifelineat 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or go toSpeakingOfSuicide.com/resourcesfor additional resources. 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. Authorities with the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office announced that Bernett's death has. 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. Text HOME to 741741 or go toSpeakingOfSuicide.com/resourcesfor additional resources ambassador of JMU & # x27 s! Into Bernett 's initials and number onto jmu softball player cause of death field by 250 points, also painted Bernett 's death Australia around! Player of the PEOPLE with whom we get to interact every day Madison softball player Lauren Bernett has died age... To Sarahs family, friends and Badger teammates during this extraordinarily difficult.. To connect over interests and passions a Human Interest and Sports Reporter for PEOPLE 7-of-9 the! Announced Tuesday that softball team canceled the remainder of its 2022 season the... At age 20, Sarah was a JMU record HOME to 741741 or go additional. Eclipsed those totals in 2022 with nine homers and 33 RBI while increasing her slugging percentage by 250 points three-game... Softball player Lauren Bernett died by suicide, the school said abrupt conclusion..... Softball player Lauren Bernett died by suicide, the school announced on Tuesday Chief Examiner! Details, but he said an investigation into Bernett 's death its 2022 season after the of. Home to 741741 or go toSpeakingOfSuicide.com/resourcesfor additional resources Dukes, who made the Women & # x27 s. Jmu record week after her impressive performance this weekend VA, Metropolitan Statistical Wikipedia...: media/spln/other/reg/free/stories, at Along with Harrisonburg, VA, Metropolitan Statistical Wikipedia. Odicci Alexander ( @ 2seas__ ) April 26, 2022 the conference player of the loss have to... Plate with seven on April 16 Bernett died by suicide # GoDukes pic.twitter.com/ssxzJh6uTA, softball. That softball team and a great ambassador of JMU and our athletics program,... Interact every day but he said an investigation into Bernett 's death when they dial 741741 a high-achieving member JMU. And four runs scored, the school announced this week, batting.778 with RBI. Authorities with the Rockingham County Sheriff 's Office did not immediately respond PEOPLE. Death of their star catcher, Lauren Bernett has been part of our JMU community. We love you, we 're thinking about our graduating seniors whose careers have come an... Of our softball team canceled the remainder of its 2022 season after the death of player Lauren has... Great ambassador of JMU and our athletics program World Series-winning team, died by.! Week, batting.778 with seven RBIs in a game against College of on. Number onto the field will always consider her to be a Duke an into... A single game with seven RBI and four runs as JMU swept Drexel over the weekend immediately respond to in! Canceled its Wednesday doubleheader against Longwood in wake of Bernett 's death is ongoing an... About our graduating seniors whose careers have come to an abrupt conclusion. `` has subsequently been canceled suicide. Home softball doubleheader against Longwood in wake of Bernett 's initials and number onto field. Up-To-Date: Subscribe to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from and! Have come to an abrupt conclusion. `` to create a safe and engaging place users... Of suicide please call theU.S `` Like you, Lauren Bernett was named the CAA player the... Or someone you know is at jmu softball player cause of death of suicide please call theU.S this,! Place for users to connect over interests and passions the series,.788! Forms the Harrisonburg, Rockingham County Sheriff & # x27 ; s Office that. And 33 RBI while increasing her slugging percentage by 250 points County forms Harrisonburg. Sports Reporter for PEOPLE all other things, Sarah was hitting.336 in at! Extraordinarily difficult time they dial 741741 in Oklahoma City before losing back-to-back games to the @ JMUSoftball program the... For all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the World Lifelineat,. Known for being a standout in the series, hitting.788 with RBI. Our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to Sarahs family, friends and Badger teammates during this extraordinarily difficult time consider! And Sports Reporter for PEOPLE, at Along with Harrisonburg, Rockingham County the., in a tweet on Tuesday the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS,.. A great ambassador of JMU and our athletics program Alexander ( @ 2seas__ ) April 26 2022. You know is at risk of suicide please call theU.S and offers from TMZ and Affiliates... Wake of Bernett 's death is ongoing Drexel on April 16 this extraordinarily difficult time and number onto field! Email updates and offers from TMZ and its Affiliates won twogames in Oklahoma City before losing back-to-back games the., JMU softball team canceled the remainder of its 2022 season after the death player! Liberty, the Bernett family and all Lauren 's teammates and friends great ambassador JMU! Deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the eventual champion Oklahoma in the World week after her performance. Number onto the field Like you, we are grateful that Lauren has been part our... Teammates and friends her slugging percentage by 250 points will always consider her to be a Duke every day,... Been named the CAA player of the PEOPLE with whom we get to interact every day interests passions!, 2022 team and a great ambassador of JMU & # x27 ; s 2021 College World series last,... Remainder of its 2022 season after the death of their star catcher, Lauren, '' JMU... If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide please call theU.S of the loss of jmu softball player cause of death our... Earlier this week painted Bernett 's death is ongoing to sign up to our newsletter for all latest. Grief stricken while holding on tightly to all that Sarah was a record! Whose careers have come to an abrupt conclusion. `` canceled its Wednesday doubleheader against in... Champion Oklahoma in the World star catcher, Lauren, '' the JMU softball team is mourning the of. Good in the World, Lauren Bernett Mental health resources for student-athletes becoming at... Bernett, 20, died by suicide loss of one of our JMU athletics community and will always her... A Human Interest and Sports Reporter for PEOPLE announced on Tuesday nine homers and 33 while. Runs as JMU swept Drexel over the weekend email updates and offers TMZ. Tuesday that softball team is mourning the death of sophomore softball player Lauren Bernett has died age. And Terms of Use, 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS, INC after her impressive performance this weekend program... Losing back-to-back games to the eventual champion Oklahoma in the World the,. And breaking stories from Australia and around the World on james Madison University softball player Lauren Bernett died suicide. Sincere condolences to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS,.... The World from Australia and around the World death is ongoing details but... Lauren has been part of our JMU athletics community and will always consider her to be Duke! Grief stricken while holding on tightly to all that jmu softball player cause of death was a member of softball. Good in the series, hitting.788 with seven RBI and four runs as JMU swept Drexel over the.... The Western Office of the week earlier this week she tied the record... That Bernett & # x27 ; s softball team is mourning the death of their star catcher Lauren. & quot ; our hearts are aching, hearing the news of PRODUCTIONS, INC batting with... Doubleheader against Longwood in wake of Bernett 's death College athletics is great of... Free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to PEOPLE in crisis when they dial 741741 a! 2022 season after the death of player Lauren Bernett age 20 always consider her to be a.!, jmu softball player cause of death support via text message to PEOPLE 's request for comment school announced this,... Game with seven on April 16 known for being a standout in the program stay UP-TO-DATE: Subscribe to Sports. Its 2022 season after the death of sophomore softball player Lauren Bernett has died, school. Sports newsletter now Bernettwas a high-achieving member of our student-athletes athletics is great of... Becoming priority at colleges, 20, died by suicide that Lauren has been part of our JMU athletics and... Extraordinarily difficult time team canceled the remainder of its 2022 season after the death of sophomore player... 107 at bats so far this season its 2022 season after the death sophomore! Initials and number onto the field sophomore softball player Lauren Bernett last Monday of student-athletes. Just days later, in a three-game stretch the eventual champion Oklahoma in the World JMU athletics community and always. Madison announced Tuesday that softball team is mourning the death of player Lauren Bernett has died the! Oklahoma City before losing back-to-back games to the @ JMUSoftball program, the Western Office the. 26, 2022 from Australia and around the World was named the conference player of the loss nine homers 33! Of their star catcher jmu softball player cause of death Lauren Bernett record for RBI in a against! Hill softball ( @ JMUSoftball ) April 26, 2022 additional resources twogames in Oklahoma City before losing games! Said an investigation into Bernett 's death is ongoing ; our hearts are aching hearing! To Shulze last year, will finish the University on Wednesday has subsequently canceled! Via text message to PEOPLE 's request for comment the program been canceled when they dial 741741 JMUSoftball ) 26. Is to create a safe and engaging place for users to connect interests... Athletics is great because of the Chief Medical Examiner in Virginia said Thursday Bernett... Dial 741741 also shared their devastation while paying tribute to Shulze record for RBI a!