The award came after Bernett and the team faced Drexel University over the weekend. James Madison University is mourning the death of sophomore softball player Lauren Bernett, the school announced this week. She was 20 years old. 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. Above all other things, Sarah was a power for good in the world. Colin E. Braley/ap. Four of those hits went for extra bases. 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. Seattle's Sports Leader, 93.3 KJR FM - Home of the Huskies and Kraken, Seattles Best NFL Draft Coverage, the NFL and Super Bowl, March Madness, Final Four and the Seattle Sounders! Four games, one against Virginia and three against Elon, were affected. 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. 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. The Dukes had already canceled five games last week. Shulzes family announced the devastating news, saying she "took her own life" earlier in April. in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. "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. 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. Jason Hahn is a Human Interest and Sports Reporter for PEOPLE. Shes a light, no matter where she is. The Dukes then beat Oklahoma and Oklahoma State before losing back-to-back games to the Sooners in the WCWS. James Madison University softball player Lauren Bernett dies. 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. Lauren Bernett has been named the conference Player of the Week after her impressive performance this weekend! The university's athletic department announced the tragic news Tuesday, but did not list a . It's the second tragedy to rock US college sports this month after the death of University of Wisconsin athletics star Sarah Shulze at the age of 21. Lauren Bernett was a JMU softball player known for being a standout in the program. Most importantly, we're thinking about our graduating seniors whose careers have come to an abrupt conclusion.". 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.". "This was an extremely difficult decision and one that was not made lightly," JMU head coachLoren LaPortesaid. Lauren Bernett, a star player on James Madison University's softball team, has died at age 20. Bernett was hitting .336 in 107 at bats so far this season. James Madison softball player Lauren Bernett, who helped the Dukes reach last year's Women's College World Series, has died at age 20. Scooby Axson, USA TODAY 4/26/2022. Bernett was hitting .336 in 107 at bats so far this season. Bernett was 20. "We will miss her dearly. Lauren Bernettwas a high-achieving member of our softball team and a great ambassador of JMU and our athletics program. In a game against College of Charleston on April 16, she recorded three hits and seven RBIs a JMU record. 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. ", "Our hearts are aching, hearing the news of the loss of one of our student-athletes," officials said "We are a tight family. She was 20. She was 20. We will miss her dearly. Authorities with the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office announced that Bernett's death has. ", 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. "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. "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.. Bernett, a sophomore, was a star catcher for the Dukes and had just had arguably her best week ever on the diamond for JMU. LB @JMUSoftball pic.twitter.com/v0kGY6g1Mh, Many of Bernett's teammates shared their reactions to the tragic news on social media. Her teammate, Lexi Rogers, also earned Rookie of the Week honors. 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.". "Our hearts are aching, hearing the news of the loss . FOX Sports Radio. JMU Nation is a close community, and we grieve together.". "College athletics is great because of the people with whom we get to interact every day," a school statement read. Balancing athletics, academics and the demands of everyday life overwhelmed her in a single, desperate moment," the family said in a statement. James Madison PresidentJonathan Alberannounced 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 from propelling the softball team to a Women's College World Series tournament appearance last season. Earlier this week, Bernett wasnamed Colonial Athletic AssociationPlayer of the Weekas the Dukes swept a three-game setfrom Drexel. "We are a tight family. The release also announced the cancellation of JMU softball's Wednesday doubleheader against Longwood and offered several mental-health resources. 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. Sarah was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, friend, teammate and Badger student-athlete, the university said in a statement. Wisconsin officials also shared their devastation while paying tribute to Shulze. The University announced its home softball doubleheader against Longwood University on Wednesday has subsequently been canceled. "Our hearts are aching, hearing the news of the loss of one of our student . ", "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. 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. 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. Odicci Alexander (@2seas__) April 26, 2022. I love you forever and always. 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. 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. Odicci Alexander (@2seas__) April 26, 2022. A cause of death was not provided. James Madison University softball player Lauren Bernett died by suicide, the Western Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Virginia said Thursday. James Madison softball was one of the most fun stories of the 2021 spring college sports season. You looked so good yesterday. The death of a James Madison softball star Lauren Bernett has been classified . 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. She had easily eclipsed those totals in 2022 with nine homers and 33 RBI while increasing her slugging percentage by 250 points. Bernett went 7-for-9 in the series, hitting .788 with seven RBIs and four runs scored, the school said. By THECOUNT.COM "ALWAYS OPEN! "Our hearts are aching, hearing the news of . Ms. Bernett's manner. https://t.co/954Q6Gnhe2#GoDukes pic.twitter.com/ssxzJh6uTA, JMU Softball (@JMUSoftball) April 25, 2022. 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. 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. Her reactions were as memorable as her play. 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 was 20. She was 20 years old. In a game against College of Charleston on April 16, she recorded three hits and seven RBIs -- a JMU record. The school did not release a cause of death in its announcement. JMU officials announced the heartbreaking news of Lauren Bernett on Tuesday morning, saying the tragedy was "devastating.". The tragic news of the James Madison University softball star's death has been announced on April 26, 2022, and many fans are searching for Lauren Bernett's cause of death at the young age of 20. Lauren,You have made such a big impact on this team not only as a player but as a person. T. "This was an extremely difficult decision and one that was not made lightly," head coach Loren LaPorte said in a statement. All rights reserved, Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Forecast: When to Expect the Blossoms to Peak, Conservative Justices Question Biden's Debt Relief Plan, But Appear Skeptical of States' Standing, Mother of Man Fatally Shot by Officers Outside Tysons Mall Calls for Independent Investigation, This 26-Year-Old Pays $0 to Live in a Luxury Tiny Home' She Built for $35,000 in Her Backyard Take a Look Inside. MORE: Mental health resources for student-athletes becoming priority at colleges. 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. "We are so grateful for the support of our fans all season and for the love from the softball community during the past week. May 2, 2022. 6-keys: media/spln/other/reg/free/stories, at Send me email updates and offers from TMZ and its Affiliates. 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 has canceled the remainder of its softball season following the death of catcher Lauren Bernett. 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. 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. She was 7-of-9 at the plate with seven RBI and four runs as JMU swept Drexel over the weekend. ", "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 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. Yes! We love you, Lauren, the JMU softball team said in a tweet on Tuesday. 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. Hutcheson declined to give any further details, but he said an investigation into Bernett's death is ongoing. 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. 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 . Bernett, a sophomore, had been the program's. She was 20. Fellow pitcher Alexis Bermudez tweeted she loves Bernett and hopes she's "with all the puppies (she) can handle.". Since 2005! We will miss her dearly. 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 | "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. 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. She was there, alongside Odicci Alexander and the rest of the Dukes, during some of their biggest moments in OKC last June. 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. News of Bernett's death comes amid a recent trend of reported deaths by suicide amount NCAA female athletes. 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. 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 love you, Lauren pic.twitter.com/WWt4lkm2gG. He previously worked for Complex Magazine in New York City. Bernett started 43 games as a freshman in 2021 and hit .235 with three homers and 10 RBIs. 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. Odicci Alexander, who was a member of last season's JMU team, posted a tribute to Bernett on Twitter. 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. The team has canceled its Wednesday doubleheader against Longwood in wake of Bernetts death. She tied the school record for RBIs in a single game with seven on April 16. News of Bernett's death comes amid a recent trend of reported deaths by suicide amount NCAA female athletes. 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. / by Matt Weyrich. Bernett was named the Colonial Athletic Associations player of the week on Monday. "College athletics is great because of the people with whom we get to interact every day. She was an integral part of the James Madison. 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. Bernett was named the Colonial Athletic Associations player of the week on Monday. Dave 'Softy' Mahler & Dick Fain Interviews, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. "College athletics is great because of the people with whom we get to interact every day," a school statement said. By subscribing, I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS,INC. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Mental health resources for student-athletes becoming priority at colleges, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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