Former LSU Women’s Basketball Star Danielle Ballard Passes Away at 28

Danielle Ballard, a former standout basketball player at LSU women’s basketball, has passed away. She was 29.

The Memphis Police Department confirmed that Ballard passed after being struck by a car on July 13, 2023, in her hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. She was discovered at the scene and then transported to Regional One Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to NBC News, the driver of the vehicle has not been publicly identified and remained at the scene following the collision. Authorities are investigating the accident.

LSU paid tribute to Ballard in a post on Twitter describing her essential to the team’s success.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Danielle,” LSU said in a statement. “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 came to prominence for her basketball skills after leading the Memphis Central High School Girl’s team to a state championship in 2011. She was also named the No. 25 overall recruit by ESPN HoopGurlz.

The women’s basketball played for LSU from 2012 until 2015 where she started in all but 14 games for the Tigers. She made the SEC All-Freshman team and was part of the SEC’s All-Defensive team in two seasons. For her collegiate career, she averaged over 12 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.

We at EBONY extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Danielle Ballard.

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Updated: July 14, 2023 — 6:01 pm