Emileigh Cooper, Marshall Softball Player Killed in Car Crash

Emileigh Cooper, Marshall Softball Player Killed in Car Crash

Emileigh Cooper, former right fielder for Marshall University (2012-2015) was killed in a car accident. It happened Friday around 3:40 p.m. along Route 35 n

Feb 6, 2016 by Chez Sievers
Emileigh Cooper, Marshall Softball Player Killed in Car Crash
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Emileigh Cooper, former right fielder for Marshall University (2012-2015) was killed in a car accident. It happened Friday around 3:40 p.m. along Route 35 near Bronx Corner Road.

Emileigh Cooper, 22, of Ray, was killed in the crash.

Cooper graduated from Jackson High School and then went to Marshall University where she played softball. She served as Rio Grande's assistant volleyball coach and was working toward completing her nursing degree.

Troopers say the driver of a Buick Century didn't yield as she was pulling out of a driveway and hit Cooper as she was driving in the eastbound lanes. Investigators say Cooper then drove across the median and into the westbound lanes, hitting a car head on.

Another westbound vehicle wasn't able to avoid the crash and slid into the other car. Cooper was taken to the hospital where she later died from her injuries. Troopers say all the drivers involved in the crash were wearing seatbelts and that alcohol and drugs were not a factor in the crash.

The crash remains under investigation. Investigators say the final report will be forwarded to the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office for review. This is the second fatal crash in Jackson County in 2016.

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Emileigh Cooper was a multi-sport athlete in volleyball, basketball, and softball at Jackson High School. In 2015, she appeared primarily as the right fielder batting .434, which is third most in single-season individual history at Marshall University. Emileigh finished with 53 hits, 32 runs and 13 RBI in 122 at-bats. Cooper hit three home runs, including walk-off against Western Kentucky on March 13. Her .500 on-base percentage is fifth best in single-season school history.

Emileigh was named to NFCA Mideast All-Region Team and also All-Conference USA Second Team. Not only did she contribute on the field, Emileigh was a standout in the classroom, named to 2015 Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll.




Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Emileigh Cooper's family, friends, and the Marshall Softball family.