We share in the L-O-U community’s mourning in the loss of Ty LaPorte, an Ole Miss senior-athlete who was a record-holding member of the volleyball and track teams and a star student.

LaPorte, a native of Irmo, South Carolina, according to law enforcement, pulled in front of an 18-wheeler on Mississippi Highway 7 in Benton County Thursday night, claiming her life.

“Our volleyball family is so heartbroken today with this news,” Ole Miss volleyball coach Steve McRoberts said. “Ty’s smile would light up the room, and her passion was contagious. She was loved by all of her teammates and coaches. Ty will be greatly missed by not only the volleyball team, but the whole Ole Miss community.”

Although the L-O-U community will miss LaPorte’s presence, she will live on through her numerous academic and athletic achievements.

LaPorte was a member of the SEC and UMAA Academic Honor Roll, ranked in the top 10 in the SEC volleyball hitting percentage, received AVCA Honorable Mention All-Region honors and ranked third all-time in program history in block assists (280) and total blocks (334) and fifth in kills (999). She also ranked ninth in school history in the outdoor high jump with career-best clearance of 5-7.75.

A memorial fund has been set up to help pay for funeral expenses. Should you wish to donate, visit tylaportefund.com.