Teammates share heartbreaking posts for US star dead at 20

Teammates have shared touching posts for a US sports star after tragedy struck for the second time this month.

Lauren Bernett has tragically died.

An American University softball team is mourning the death of their star catcher, Lauren Bernett.

James Madison University’s athletic department announced the tragic news Wednesday (AEST), but did not list a cause of death for the 20-year-old.

Bernett’s teammates shared heartfelt tributes on social media, including Dukes infielder Jasmine Hall, who tweeted a video that showed the pair sitting in a car together, singing “The Truth” by Jason Aldean, The New York Post reports.

“Lauren, You have made such a big impact on this team not only as a player but as a person,” Hall tweeted.

“Lauren, You have made such a big impact on this team not only as a player but as a person,” Hall tweeted.

Lauren,
You have made such a big impact on this team not only as a player but as a person. 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. I love you forever and always. Fly high sweet girl🤍🕊 pic.twitter.com/p9Mf4pub8m

— jasmine (@jasminehall_10) April 26, 2022

“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. I love you forever and always. Fly high sweet girl.”

Emily Phillips, a catcher and outfielder for the JMU softball team, tweeted: “Words can’t describe the friendship we had and how much it meant to me!

“You had my back no matter the time of the day. From us jamming to country music, late night roomie talks, to our catcher chats. I’m going to miss you more than anything. Fly High, 22.”

Bernett was a star catcher.

She played a vital role in JMU’s success.

Alyssa Humphrey, a junior pitcher for the Dukes, tweeted a collage of photos with Bernett, writing, “Forever my best friend. I love you endlessly LB,” with a white heart emoji.

JMU softball’s home series against Delaware this weekend has been cancelled, the team tweeted Wednesday. A memorial location will remain set up at the JMU Softball Veterans Memorial Park entrance, according to the school’s athletic department.

Words can’t describe the friendship we had and how much it meant to me! You had my back no matter the time of the day🤞🏻 From us jamming to country music, late night roomie talks, to our catcher chats. I’m going to miss you more than anything. Fly High, 22👼🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/KEzQA3oOKa

— Emily Phillips (@Epsoftball11) April 26, 2022

Forever my best friend. I love you endlessly LB🤍 pic.twitter.com/47iG1af6H8

— Liss Humphrey (@lisshumphrey) April 26, 2022

The university provided students with information for its counselling centre and other mental health resources in its statement.

Bernett, Pennsylvania native, is survived by her parents, two brothers and two sisters.

It’s been a tragic month for American college sports. Bernett’s death comes after University of Wisconsin track and cross country star, Sarah Shulze, died by suicide aged 21 earlier in April.

“Balancing athletics, academics and the demands of every day life overwhelmed her in a single, desperate moment,” Shulze’s family said.

“Like you, we are shocked and grief stricken while holding on tightly to all that Sarah was.”

Wisconsin officials released a statement on the weekend regarding the beloved student, who was described as a gentle soul and decorated student-athlete.

“The Wisconsin Athletics community is heartbroken by the unexpected passing of Sarah Shulze,” the university said.

“Sarah was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, friend, teammate and Badger student-athlete.

“We extend our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to Sarah’s family, friends and Badger teammates during this extraordinarily difficult time.”

This story first appeared in the New York Post and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as Teammates share heartbreaking posts for US star dead at 20