Donny Everett, a pitcher for the Vanderbilt University Commodores, drowned while fishing yesterday afternoon. Officials found his body in Coffee County Lake on Thursday afternoon, but just identified his body to the public this morning. According to witnesses, Donny had entered the lake in an attempt to swim from one side to the other, but wasn’t able to make it. More on that below.
Commodores Director of Athletic David Williams wrote this in a statement today:
“We learned last night of the tragic death of Donny Everett, an outstanding young man who exemplified the best of our university. As you can imagine, the team, the athletic department and the university are trying to come to terms with this tragedy. His parents and loved ones are on our minds and in our prayers as we share in their grief.”
First and foremost, our hearts go out to Donny’s family, friends and teammates. His future was amazingly bright, and had been predicted as one of the top MLB draft prospects in the country.
The news must be especially difficult to those who were with him when he drowned.
Still can't believe this happened… Probably one of the better guys on and off the field that I've ever met. Rest in peace, Donny Everett.
— alex brewer (@alex_brewer09) June 3, 2016
Rest in peace Donny Everett. Gone way to soon and had way to much ahead.. I will miss you my friend.. Can't even believe this happened..
— Bryce Denton (@brycedenton25) June 3, 2016
No word yet on whether or not the Vanderbilt Commodores will play Xavier in tonight’s game scheduled for 7 PM.