MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: An outstanding basketball player, who played for the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers for three years from 2012 to 2015, died while she was in her hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. Danielle Ballard died on Thursday, July 13, after being fatally hit by a vehicle. The accident happened around 1.26 am not very far away from the FedEx Forum.
Though the 29-year-old was taken to the hospital immediately after the accident, she could not be saved. Following her death, LSU said in a statement, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Danielle. She meant a great deal to our program and was such a big part of our women’s basketball family. It’s difficult to understand why this happened to someone who was so full of life and had so much promise. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”
How did Danielle Ballard die?
In a tweet, Memphis Police Dept said that “officers responded to a pedestrian hit at Coleman Rd & Raleigh Lagrange Rd. The 29-year-old victim was taken to ROH, where she was pronounced deceased. The driver stayed on the scene,” before noting that a probe into Ballard’s death has been launched.
LSU described the athlete as “a standout basketball player for LSU from 2012-15." As per the website, she received “first-team All-SEC honors in 2015” and “averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists during her LSU career. She earned SEC All-Freshman honors in 2013 and was twice named to the SEC All-Defensive Team.”
‘This took the wind out of me!’
Several people have also paid tribute to Ballard online with a user tweeting, “Oh My God! This took the wind out of me! My Condolences to the family Praying for strength for Danielle’s family.” Another person wrote, “Praying for her family, friends, teammates, or anyone who knew her.” A third said, “I'm so sorry for the loss of this young woman.”
“Danielle was a beautiful soul! May she rest in peace,” a fourth person shared. “Oh man...Two former SEC greats gone...Nikki McCray of Tennessee and now this one. This is a hard pill to swallow for the southeastern conference family. Fly high, angel,” a fifth stated.
“It's a sad day today as we have learned that a former Central High School standout Danielle Ballard has passed away. Ballard was a great ball player that took her talents to LSU. Rest in Love #danielleballard,” another tweet read. Another added, “Some words just aren’t meant to be said early and RIP Danielle Ballard is one of them. this one stings.”
