Danielle Ballard, a three-year player for LSU’s women’s basketball team has passed away at the age of 29.
The LSU women’s program shared the tragic news on Twitter on Thursday night.
“LSU mourns the loss of Danielle Ballard,” the tweet, which included a photo and her lifespan, 1993-2023, said.
The release from LSU’s athletic program said that Ballard “passed away after a tragic accident in Memphis.”
M.A. Voepel of ESPN.com reported that Ballard was “struck by a car early Thursday morning.”
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Danielle,” LSU’s release said. “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.”
Ballard played with the Tigers from 2012-2015. She averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game during her college career. Ballard was named to the SEC All-Freshman team in 2013, was All-SEC first-team in 2015 and was SEC All-Defensive team twice.
LSU’s current women’s basketball coach, Kim Mulkey, mourned Ballard’s loss on Twitter, saying, “Former Tiger gone too soon! Rest in peace Danielle.”
Others joined in, sending well wishes to Ballard, her family and other loved ones.
GodBless The Ballard Family
https://t.co/3BGlJeFfJA —
William (@Tigahs2k19) July 13, 2023