By THECOUNT.COM "ALWAYS OPEN! 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. We love you, Lauren pic.twitter.com/WWt4lkm2gG. Representatives for the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. 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. The team has canceled its Wednesday doubleheader against Longwood in wake of Bernett's death. Keep shining. HUGE NEWS: Tennis world erupts over Roger Federer announcement, 'NO VIABLE ALTERNATIVE': Wimbledon defends contentious Russia ban. We will miss her dearly.. We are grateful that Lauren has been part of our JMU Athletics community and will always consider her to be a Duke. 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 the day that doubleheader was set to take place, the Dukes announced this weekend's three-game series against Delaware is also cancelled. Lauren Bernett was a JMU softball player known for being a standout in the program. She was just 20 years. Jason Hahn is a Human Interest and Sports Reporter for PEOPLE. 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. James Madison University softball player Lauren Bernett has died, the school announced Tuesday . 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 Womens College World Series. James Madison announced Tuesday that softball team catcher Lauren Bernett had died. "College athletics is great because of the people with whom we get to interact every day. 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). Hutcheson declined to give any further details, but he said an investigation into Bernett's death is ongoing. 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. We are grateful that Lauren has been part of our JMU Athletics community and will always consider her to be a Duke," they said. James Madison University is mourning the death of sophomore softball player Lauren Bernett, the school announced this week. RELATED VIDEO: Cristiano Ronaldo to Miss Manchester United Game as He Mourns the Death of His Newborn Son. Her reactions were as memorable as her play. In a game against College of Charleston on April 16, she recorded three hits and seven RBIs -- a JMU record. James Madison softball player Lauren Bernett, who helped the Dukes reach last year's Women's College World Series, has died at age 20. 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. College softball star Lauren Bernett died of apparent suicide, authorities say James Madison University announced Bernett's death Tuesday, saying in a statement, "Our hearts are aching.". 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. May 2, 2022. On Monday, the CAA handed her its Player of the Week award for her performances. MORE: Mental health resources for student-athletes becoming priority at colleges. Get TMZ breaking news sent right to your browser! "Our hearts are aching, hearing the news of the loss of one of our student-athletes," James Madison University President Jonathan Alger and Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne said in a joint statement on Tuesday. 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. The Dukes then beat Oklahoma and Oklahoma State before losing back-to-back games to the Sooners in the WCWS. ", "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. Star James Madison University softball player Lauren Bernett, who helped the school in its historic run to the Women's College World Series, died of apparent suicide, authorities said. 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. The university's athletic department announced the tragic news Tuesday, but did not list a . All Rights Reserved. JMU Nation is a close community, and we grieve together.". 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. We are a tight family. You looked so good yesterday. 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. Bernett's shocking death was announced Tuesday by the university. Lauren Bernettwas a high-achieving member of our softball team and a great ambassador of JMU and our athletics program. The Dukes' doubleheaderon Wednesday against Longwood wascanceled and the school sent out messages offeringsupport for mental health. Fly high sweet girl pic.twitter.com/p9Mf4pub8m. Bernett, a sophomore catcher from McDonald, Pennsylvania, started 43 of 45 games for a James Madison team that reached the College World Series. By subscribing, I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS,INC. "We are a tight family. He has a B.A. James Madison University softball catcher Lauren Bernett is believed to have died of an apparent suicide, Rockingham County Sheriff Bryan Hutcheson announced Thursday via WJLA.com. 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. Utility playerKayla Boseman wrote Bernett will "never be forgotten" while catcher/outfielderEmily Phillips added she's going to miss her "more than anything." Star pitcher Odicci Alexander posted to Twitter Tuesday morning that she was heartbroken about Bernett's death. The award came after Bernett and the team faced Drexel University over the weekend. "This was an extremely difficult decision and one that was not made lightly," JMU head coachLoren LaPortesaid. Four games, one against Virginia and. Bernett was hitting .336 in 107 at bats so far this season. 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. According to the medical examiner's. / by Matt Weyrich. Lauren you are forever in our hearts. 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. It rained all day yesterday and then this happened. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. ", 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. https://t.co/954Q6Gnhe2#GoDukes pic.twitter.com/ssxzJh6uTA, JMU Softball (@JMUSoftball) April 25, 2022. 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.. Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world. Sarah was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, friend, teammate and Badger student-athlete, the university said in a statement. News of Bernett's death comes amid a recent trend of reported deaths by suicide amount NCAA female athletes. Shehit .778with seven RBIin the series. Bernett was named the Colonial Athletic Associations player of the week on Monday. We will miss her dearly. "We will miss her dearly.". 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. The James Madison University softball team is mourning the death of their star catcher, Lauren Bernett. HARRISONBURG, Va. - James Madison University announced Tuesday that one of their own has passed away. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. 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. Star pitcher Odicci Alexander posted to Twitter Tuesday morning that she was heartbroken about Bernett's death, with similar tributes flooding social media after the tragic news. Lauren Bernettwas a high-achieving member of our softball team and a great ambassador of JMU and our athletics program. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Four of those hits went for extra bases. "We are a tight family. "Our primary focus is the support of the Shulze family and our student-athletes.. The sophomore was just days removed from going 7-for-9, hitting a home run and seven RBI, as well as scoring four runs during James Madison's three-game sweep of Drexel over the weekend. Apr 29, 2022. "College athletics is great because of the people with whom we get to interact every day. "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. 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. "College athletics is great because of the people with whom we get to interact every day," a school statement said. 10 months ago. Lauren Bernett, a star player on James Madison University's softball team, has died at age 20. The 20 . Bernett started 43 games as a freshman in 2021 and hit .235 with three homers and 10 RBIs. 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. 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. Bernett was named the Colonial Athletic Associations player of the week on Monday. She had easily eclipsed those totals in 2022 with nine homers and 33 RBI while increasing her slugging percentage by 250 points. Fellow pitcher Alexis Bermudez tweeted she loves Bernett and hopes she's "with all the puppies (she) can handle.". Odicci Alexander, who was a member of last season's JMU team, posted a tribute to Bernett on Twitter. The Dukes' home doubleheader against Longwood on Wednesday was canceled. James Madison University is mourning the death of sophomore softball player Lauren Bernett, the school announced this week. 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. Our goal is to create a safe and engaging place for users to connect over interests and passions. Odicci Alexander (@2seas__) April 26, 2022. James Madison announced Tuesday that softball team catcher Lauren Bernett had died. 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. Along with Harrisonburg, Rockingham County forms the Harrisonburg, VA, Metropolitan Statistical Area Wikipedia. In a joint statement announcing Bernett's death, JMU president Jonathan Alger and athletic director Jeff Bourne said their "hearts are aching" over the death of Bernett, whom they described as "a high-achieving member of our softball team and a great ambassador of JMU and our athletics program.". JMU officials announced the heartbreaking news of Lauren Bernett on Tuesday morning, saying the tragedy was "devastating.". She had easily eclipsed those totals in 2022 with nine homers and 33 RBI while increasing her slugging percentage by 250 points. The sophomore was just days removed from going 7-for-9, hitting a home run and seven RBI, as well as scoring four runs during James Madison's three-game sweep of Drexel over the weekend. She was 20 years old. She recorded four of her seven hits of the series on Sunday, which also included a home run. We are grateful that Lauren has been part of our JMU athletics community and will always consider her to be a Duke. Shes a light, no matter where she is. She was 20 years old. James Madison University softball catcher Lauren Bernett is believed to have died of an apparent suicide, Rockingham County Sheriff Bryan Hutcheson announced Thursday (April 28) via WJLA.com. She was 20 years old. 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. Dave 'Softy' Mahler & Dick Fain Interviews, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The sophomore catcher earned the honor Monday after going 7-for-9 with seven RBIs and four runs scored, including a home run, during a three-game sweep of Drexel this past weekend. JMU Nation is a close community, and we grieve together.". The team has canceled its Wednesday doubleheader against Longwood in wake of Bernetts death. She was 7-of-9 at the plate with seven RBI and four runs as JMU swept Drexel over the weekend. No cause of death was. Photo: Courtesy of James Madison University. He previously worked for Complex Magazine in New York City. https://t.co/90K77ss6Il, Seton Hill Softball (@SHUgriffinsSB) April 26, 2022. "Our hearts are aching, hearing the news of the loss of one of our student . 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. section: | slug: james-madison-university-softball-player-lauren-bernetts-death-classified-as-a-suicide-per-report | sport: other | route: article_single.us | Liberty, the host school, also painted Bernett's initials and number onto the field. She tied the school record for RBI in a single game with seven on April 16. "Our hearts are aching, hearing the news of the loss of one of our student-athletes. "We love you, Lauren," the JMU softball team said in a tweet on Tuesday. Above all other things, Sarah was a power for good in the world. Four of those hits went for extra bases. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Download the TMZ App on the Apple App Store, Download the TMZ App on the Google Play Store. We will miss her dearly. 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. 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. JMU Nation is a close community, and we grieve together. James Madison softball was one of the most fun stories of the 2021 spring college sports season. She was an integral part of the James Madison team that made it to the 2021 Women's College World Series. James Madison University is mourning the death of sophomore softball player Lauren Bernett, the school announced this week. "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," Alger and Bourne said in their statement. Madison announced Tuesday that one of their own has passed away three homers and RBIs... 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