JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville University’s women’s soccer team is mourning the death of one of their own.
The university confirmed freshman Stephanie Davis, originally from the Orlando area, died in a crash Sunday after an out-of-town trip with her teammates.
The women’s soccer team posted pictures on Twitter Sunday, showing the team out tubing.
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A team that enjoys being together at soccer and away from soccer. Thank you to Howie Gonzalez for taking our team tubing today!
Posted by Jacksonville University Women's Soccer on Sunday, April 10, 2022
“As a mom, it’s devastating; that’s awful,” Tonja Ferrell said. “I have a daughter who just turned 25, so as a mom that’s heartbreaking.”
Florida Highway Patrol said the SUV, which was carrying eight women between the ages of 18 and 21, was heading east on U.S. 90 when it lost control.
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FHP said it went off onto the south shoulder, over-corrected, then came back on the roadway and over-corrected again, causing it to spin around and roll over.
One witness who was driving behind the SUV told Action News Jax he saw two people get ejected from the car.
FHP said several passengers were taken to local hospitals; Davis did not survive. Reports show it’s unknown if Davis was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
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“That’s hard to hear. A young woman just going to school, that’s terrible,” Ferrell said.
A spokesperson for JU shared this statement with Action News Jax:
“Our campus community is devastated by this heartbreaking news. Jacksonville University leaders are in touch with the families of all students involved and are offering our full support to them and to the team, as well as counseling services to any students, faculty and staff who knew Stephanie.”
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Ferrell’s heart especially goes out to Davis’ loved ones. “I can only imagine their feelings, and I just pray for the family,” Ferrell said.
The women’s soccer team tweeted Monday that the JU alumni game and social has been postponed until next spring.
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