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How did Lauren Bernett die? James Madison University mourns loss of softball player at 20

'Colleges need to look into getting several mental health professionals on staff to support their student athletes,' said a user

Lauren Bernett, a softball player for James Madison who helped the Dukes reach the Women's College World Series in 2021, died at the age of 20. Her death was confirmed by the school on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, but no other information was provided. JMU President Jonathan Alger revealed the death of the sophomore catcher, who was third on the team in home runs and second in RBI.

JMU President Jonathan Alger and athletic director Jeff Bourne issued a joint statement in which they stated their "hearts are aching" over Bernett's loss, describing her as "a high-achieving member of our softball team and a great ambassador of JMU and our athletics program." They added, "We are grateful that Lauren has been part of our JMU Athletics community and will always consider her to be a Duke." They continued, "We will miss her dearly.

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Furthermore, the statement read, "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. JMU Nation is a close community, and we grieve together." The press release also informed that JMU softball's Wednesday (April 27, 2022) doubleheader against Longwood had been canceled, as well as a list of mental-health resources.

Bernett's death was announced just one day after the Colonial Athletic Association honored her Player of the Week. After going 7-for-9 with seven RBIs and four runs scored, including a home run, during a three-game sweep over Drexel this past weekend, the sophomore catcher was named MVP on Monday, April 25, 2022. Last season, the McDonald, Pennsylvania native started 43 games as a freshman for the Dukes, who finished 41-4 and advanced to the Women's College World Series for the first time in program history. And Bernett played a major role in the victory.

After Bernett’s news came out, many people on social media opened their views. One person wrote, “This is becoming an epidemic! Truly heartbreaking 💔 Colleges need to look into getting several mental health professionals on staff to support their student athletes, where they regularly check in on them all even if they seem fine.” Another person said, “This is incredibly sad. My thoughts and prayers for @JMUSoftball her family and friends. I truly hope this is not another case of a young person needing help and not knowing where, being too affraid to ask for, or having access to the help they clearly need.” 

Another wrote, “@OU_Softball This is tragic. Much respect for @JMUSoftball. I hope the athletic departments have someone on staff these women can talk to about the pressures they’re facing on and off the field. Seeking help is not a weakness,” while another said, “This so terrible. Loosing these young women with the whole world ahead of them. An even greater tragedy is they read about others who did this and felt it was the only way they could handle it.”