A college softball player and straight-A student at a North Carolina school has died at just 19 in her native Texas.
Livingstone College’s Gabriella Muñoz passed away on July 9 at 12:03pm local time, according to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Science in Houston. A report on the cause and manner of her death is still pending. The Daily Mail has sought further comment from the Institute.
‘Gabriella represented the very best of Livingstone College,’ read the school statement. ‘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. Her infectious smile, positive outlook, and caring heart brought light to every room she entered and left a lasting impression on teammates, coaches, classmates, faculty, staff, and friends.’
In announcing her passing, Livingstone College corrected false reporting that Muñoz was on campus at the time of her death.
‘It is difficult to understand the insensitive actions that some will take during this time of our campus community grieving,’ Livingstone College president Anthony J. Davis said in the statement. ‘Our focus remains on honoring Gabriella’s life, celebrating her many contributions to our campus community, and supporting all who are mourning this tremendous loss.’
Livingstone College’s Gabriella Muñoz passed away on July 9 at 12:03pm local time, according to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Science in Houston
Muñoz was a top student, who earned a 4.0 GPA in both semesters of her sophomore year
Aside from softball, Muñoz was also a top student, who earned a 4.0 GPA in both semesters of her sophomore year.
‘Her academic success was further recognized through her selection as a Livingstone College Board of Trustees Scholarship recipient,’ the statement continued.
‘Gabriella embodied the ideals of a true student-athlete, balancing the demands of collegiate athletics with outstanding academic achievement while approaching every opportunity with humility, grace, and quiet determination.’
Asked about Muñoz’s impact on the team, softball coach Steve Wallace said she was a ‘complete joy,’ ‘great athlete and even better student.’
‘I am completely heartbroken by the passing of Gabriella,’ Wallace said.
Muñoz was used as both a pitcher and a position player over her two seasons at the private, Christian-based historically Black college (HBCU) in Salisbury, North Carolina
Muñoz was used as both a pitcher and a position player over her two seasons at the private, Christian-based historically Black college (HBCU) in Salisbury, North Carolina.
She is survived by her parents, Brandon and Jennifer, as well as her siblings Noah and Isabella.
‘Gabi’s faith was the cornerstone of her life,’ read an obituary published by the Schmidt Funeral Home in Texas. ‘An active member of her church’s youth group ministries, she found joy in studying her bible and living by her faith in God. Her strong beliefs guided her actions and interactions, leaving a lasting impact on those around her.’
There will be a celebration of Muñoz’s life on Friday at St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church in Katy, according to Schmidt Funeral Home.
