James Madison University softball star Lauren Bernett dies of apparent suicide

The death of James Madison softball star, Lauren Bernett, has been classified as an apparent suicide.  She was 20.

Rockingham County Sheriff Bryan Hutcheson said Wednesday that an investigation into the death is continuing.

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JMU President Jonathan Alger and Athletics Director Jeff Bourne released this statement on Bernett's passing:

"Our hearts are aching, hearing the news of the loss of one of our student-athletes. Lauren Bernett was a high-achieving member of our softball team and a great ambassador of JMU and our athletics program. She was a key member of our 2021 Women's College World Series team as a freshman catcher last year.

College athletics is great because of the people with whom we get to interact every day. 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.

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."

Wednesday's home softball doubleheader vs. Longwood has been canceled.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.