Former LSU Basketball Star Danielle Ballard Dead at 29 After Being Struck by Car

May 2024 · 3 minute read

 Former LSU Basketball Star Danielle Ballard Dead at 29 After Being Struck by Car

Danielle Ballard, a former LSU women’s basketball player, and Memphis high school star, died on Thursday after being hit by a car in her hometown.

She was 29 years old.

Ballard was a standout player for the LSU Lady Tigers from 2012 to 2015, earning All-SEC honors and leading her team to the Sweet 16.

She was also a beloved member of the basketball community in Memphis, where she grew up and played for Central High School.

Here is what we know about the tragic accident that claimed her life and the tributes that have poured in for her.

The Accident

According to Memphis police, Ballard was struck by a car around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday while crossing an intersection near Poplar Avenue and East Parkway.

She was taken to Regional One Hospital in critical condition, where she later died from her injuries.

The driver of the car remained on the scene and cooperated with the investigation.

No charges have been filed as of yet.

The police have not released any details about the cause of the accident or whether Ballard was using a crosswalk.

The Career

Ballard was a star player for Central High School in Memphis, where she led her team to three state championships and was named Tennessee’s Miss Basketball in 2012.

She was also ranked as the No. 6 prospect in the nation by ESPN.

She then joined LSU, where she made an immediate impact as a freshman, averaging 12.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.9 steals per game.

Danielle Ballard was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team and the SEC All-Defensive Team.

As a sophomore, she improved her numbers to 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.2 steals per game.

She also had a stellar performance in the NCAA Tournament, averaging 23.3 points and 12.3 rebounds in three games and leading LSU to the Sweet 16.

As a junior, she earned first-team All-SEC honors after averaging 14.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.

She also became the first player in LSU history to record two triple-doubles in a season.

She left LSU after her junior year and transferred to Texas Southern, where she played her final season in 2016-17.

Danielle Ballard averaged 19 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game for the Lady Tigers.

She then pursued a professional career overseas, playing in Spain, Romania, and Finland.

 The Tributes

Ballard’s death has shocked and saddened many people who knew her or admired her as a player.

Her former coaches, teammates, friends, and fans have expressed their condolences and memories of her on social media.

LSU released a statement on Thursday, saying: “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.”

Nikki Fargas, Ballard’s former coach at LSU, tweeted: “My heart is broken for Danielle Ballard’s family & friends! Danielle was an amazing young lady who loved life & basketball! I will always cherish our time together at LSU! Rest In Peace Danielle!”

Kenia Cole, an assistant coach at William & Mary who played against Ballard in college, tweeted: “Danielle Ballard crossed one of my teammates up so bad when we played LSU. She was an absolute problem in between those lines. May she RIP. Praying for the LSU family.”

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