Danielle Downey Dead: Auburn Coach Killed In Crash

Former LPGA player Danielle Downey was killed in a single car crash that claimed only her life.

After spending time with friends, she was driving alone on Lee Road 57. Reports say Downey lost control and the car started flipping, ejecting her out onto the road. The hospital pronounced her as dead on arrival. The exact cause of the accident is still being investigated by the Alabama Highway Patrol.

Downey had just begun her second term as Auburn’s direct of golf operations. In the past she was second in the 2002 NCAA tournament and a three-time All-American winner. She also finished in the top 10 many times and even scored one tournament victory on the Futures Tour. She competed in the LPGA Tour from 2006 through 2010, with her best placement being the 2008 Bell Micro LPGA Classic where she placed fourth.

According to coach Kim Evans, they were very close:

”I’m absolutely devastated. Danielle meant so much to me, the girls and this program. Not only did she give much of her life to Auburn as a student-athlete and as a mentor to these young women, but she was so instrumental to this team during some tough times over the past year. Danielle was like a daughter to me.”

Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs says she had a great impact on the students at the school:

”This is a tragic and devastating loss for Danielle’s family, our student-athletes and staff and the entire Auburn family. Danielle cared deeply about people and she was loved by all who knew her. She impacted a lot of lives here as a player and a member of our staff. Our hearts go out to Danielle’s mother and father, her sisters and all who knew and loved her. She will be dearly missed.”

Danielle Downey was age 33. She is survived by her parents, Mike and Phyllis Downey, and sisters Erica Setzer, Melissa Sage and Shawna Tomasso. A memorial service in Auburn has not been set but it is pending.