Lauren Jones, a member of the Oregon Acrobatics and Tumbling team, has died.
The Oregon athletic department confirmed that Jones died unexpectedly Tuesday after requiring medical attention. Jones was 18.
Julie Brown, a spokeswoman for the University of Oregon, confirmed that a bacterial infection is a “possibility.”
“This is a terrible and sudden loss for our whole Oregon community, as well our acrobatics and tumbling team family,” Acrobatics and Tumbling Head Coach Chelsea Shaw said in a press release. “Lauren was such a positive and bright spirit every day, and her smile was contagious. She will be greatly missed and our prayers and deepest condolences go out to her whole family, friends, previous teammates and anyone else who had the opportunity to know Lauren.”
Oregon Athletic Director Rob Mullens released a statement on Jones.
“All of us in the UO family are deeply saddened by Lauren’s sudden passing and extend our sympathies to her family and friends,” Athletic Director Rob Mullens said in a press release. “As we honor Lauren’s spirit, we are providing comfort and support to her coaches, teammates and fellow student-athletes as they go through the grieving process.”
Jones was a freshman from Southwest DeKalb High School in Lithonia, Georgia. She was a base for the acrobatics and tumbling team.
Oregon athletes have been posting about Jones’ death for the past two hours.
my thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and teammates of Lauren Jones, rest in peace
— Kyle Kasser (@KVKASSER_1) February 18, 2015
My prayers and heart goes out to Oregon Acro team, the friends, and family of Lauren Jones. Don't take a day for granted. #DucksFlyTogether
— Chey Pow (@cheyene_powell) February 18, 2015
My heart goes out to Lauren Jones, her family and friends. My prayers are with you & I hope you rest in peace ❤️
— Stevie Jo Knapp (@steviejoknapp) February 18, 2015
The story is developing. More to come.
Joseph Hoyt contributed reporting.