Melanie Coleman, a gymnast at Southern Connecticut State University, passed away over the weekend after a training accident on the uneven bars, according to the Hartford Courant. The 20-year-old gymnast died as a result of a spinal cord injury.
The tragic accident occurred at the New Era Gymnastics facility in Hamden, Connecticut. She had suffered the injury while training on Friday before passing away on Sunday, November 10.
“The injury occurred after she slipped off of the bar,” Coleman’s former coach Thomas Alberti said. “It was an unexpected accident with a tragic result.”
Coleman, who was named a Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association Scholastic All-American last year and was a part of the USA Junior Olympics Program, was a nursing major at Southern Connecticut State University.
“At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with Melanie’s family,” SCSU athletic director Jay Moran said in a statement. “This has been devastating to her coaches and teammates.”
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help support her family.
Kayleigh Renee At the time of this posting, the fundraiser has brought in more than $56,000 from over 1,200 donors. The account reads:
Tom and Sue Coleman have raised five compassionate, kind, and tenacious children. If you have had the experience and pleasure of being a part of the Coleman clan, please return the kindness that Sue and Tom have so generously given throughout their lives. Please send your love, best wishes, and support to the family. At this time, please also respect the family’s privacy. Melanie gained her angel wings tonight and was able to give life to others. Please continue to pray for the entire Coleman family as they experience this unfathomable loss.
Melanie was remembered by Alberti as a true leader in the gym.
“I was her full-time coach for 10 years,” Alberti said, via CNN.com. “She was always a leader at my gym. She was the leader that everyone looked up to. To her, it wasn’t about trying to get a better score. What made her a great gymnast is also what made her a great person. She had a desire to help everyone around her.”
Our deepest condolences go out to Melanie’s family and friends during this tragic time.