Credit: Schmidt Funeral Home
NEED TO KNOW
- Livingstone College announced the death of 19-year-old softball player Gabriella Muñoz
- Muñoz, who played 27 games for the Blue Bears last season, reportedly died while in Texas, the school said
- A cause of death has not been made known and the school asked “that inaccurate information and speculation cease”
Livingstone College is mourning the loss of 19-year-old softball player Gabriella Muñoz.
The North Carolina school announced her death in a statement on Friday, July 10, with her coach calling the loss “completely heartbreaking.”
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that Livingstone College shares the passing of our beloved student-athlete, Gabriella Muñoz, a rising junior from Katy, Texas, and a cherished member of the Blue Bear softball family,” Livingstone College said in a statement.
“Gabriella represented the very best of Livingstone College. As No. 55 on the Blue Bear softball team, she embraced her role as a versatile utility player with determination, resilience, and an unwavering team-first mentality. While her athletic abilities made her a valuable competitor, it was her bubbly personality, gentle spirit, and genuine kindness that truly distinguished her” the school added.
Muñoz reportedly died while she was in Texas, the college said, while calling out “false” reports that claimed she died while at the school.
“Reports claiming that Livingstone College student-athlete Gabriella Muñoz passed away on campus are false. Gabriella passed away while in Texas, away from campus. Out of respect for her family and our campus community, we ask that inaccurate information and speculation cease,” the school said.
A cause of death has not been made known. An obituary for Muñoz said she “left this world on July 9, 2026, just shy of her 20th birthday.”
“Gabi was born on July 26, 2006, in Katy, Texas to loving parents Brandon and Jennifer Muñoz. Her bright spirit and infectious smile touched the lives of everyone she met,” the obituary said.
Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE’s free sports newsletter — sign up now!
Muñoz competed in 27 games and started one for the Blue Bears last season, according to Syracuse.com.
Livingstone College’s head softball coach Steve Wallace said in a statement: “I am completely heartbroken by the passing of Gabriella. She was a complete joy to have as a part of the program. A great athlete and an even better student. The program will miss her immensely and her absence will be felt.”
Livingstone will make “support resources” available to students, faculty and staff, the school said.
“Although Gabriella’s time with us was far too short, her impact will endure. She leaves behind a legacy of academic excellence, athletic determination, unwavering kindness, and Blue Bear pride that will continue to inspire our community for years to come,” the school’s statement continued, adding, “On behalf of Livingstone College and the entire Blue Bear family, we honor Gabriella’s life with gratitude and love. She will forever remain a cherished member of our Livingstone family.”
Read the original article on People
