‘Devastating loss’: American college softball star dead at 20

Tragedy has struck American college sports for the second time this month after a star softball player sadly died at age 20.

Lauren Bernett has tragically died.

Lauren Bernett, a star catcher for America’s James Madison University (JMU) softball team, has died, the school announced on Tuesday. The second-year student was 20-years-old.

“Our hearts are aching, hearing the news of the loss of one of our student-athletes,” a statement by the school’s athletic department read in part.

The New York Post reports JMU athletics did not reveal a cause of death or any other details about the “devastating loss”.

“We are a tight family. We are grateful that Lauren has been part of our JMU Athletics community and will always consider her to be a Duke. We will miss her dearly,” the statement read.

The Dukes’ double-header against Longwood scheduled for Thursday has been cancelled, the team said in a tweet, noting that future schedule changes have yet to be determined.

On Monday, the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) named Bernett the conference Player of the Week after James Madison swept Drexel over weekend. She went 7-for-9 in the series, recording four of her seven hits in Sunday’s game, including a home run.

According to JMU’s website, Bernett had plans to be a biology major with a minor in Pre-Vet. Bernett is survived by her parents, two brothers and two sisters.

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

Bernett was a star catcher.

She played a vital role in JMU’s success.

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