Sophomore college softball star Lauren Bernett dies

Sophomore college softball star Lauren Bernett dies: ‘A great ambassador’

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Bernett was a catcher with James Madison University's softball team and had received a player of the week honor on Monday.

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Students and faculty at James Madison University are mourning the loss of sophomore student-athlete Lauren Bernett.

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On Tuesday, the Virginia university announced the death of Bernett, 20, a softball player at the school.

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“Our hearts are aching, hearing the news of the loss of one of our student-athletes,

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read a joint letter to the JMU community from the school's president, Jonathan Alger, and director of athletics, Jeff Bourne.

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“Lauren Bernett was a high-achieving member of our softball team and a great ambassador of JMU and our athletics program.

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She was a key member of our 2021 Women’s College World Series team as a freshman catcher last year.”

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The Rockingham County, Virginia Sheriff’s Department was unable to be reached by TODAY for a statement regarding the death.

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