Vanderbilt's Everett Dies In Drowning

Vanderbilt freshman righthander Donny Everett has died, drowning in a lake in Coffee County, Tenn., The Tennessean reported.

Everett, who ranked No. 21 on the BA500 a year ago but was drafted in the 29th round by the Brewers due in part to his Vanderbilt commitment, was 19.

Vanderbilt is scheduled to host Xavier on Friday on the first day of NCAA Regional tournaments. The teams are in a bracket with UC Santa Barbara and Washington. It is unclear if their games will go on in light of Everett’s death.

In a statement, Vanderbilt director of athletics David Williams said, “We learned last night of the tragic death of Donny Everett, an outstanding young man who exemplified the best of our university. As you can imagine, the team, the athletic department and the university are trying to come to terms with this tragedy. His parents and loved ones are on our minds and in our prayers as we share in their grief.”

Everett, a product of Clarksville (Tenn.) High, was a second-team Preseason All-American in 2015 and ranked between first-rounders Cornelius Randolph (Phillies) and Brady Aiken (Indians) on the final BA500. He had a stellar senior prep season and was a first-team All-American at season’s end after going 9-1, 1.21 with 125 strikeouts in 67 innings.

The righthander was banged up early in the spring but made his first collegiate start on May 10 against Louisville, and overall this season was 0-1, 1.50 with 13 strikeouts in 12 innings.

On his Vanderbilt player page, head coach Tim Corbin gushed about not only Everett’s talent, but how pleased he was to keep an in-state star in Nashville.

“Donny certainly falls in line of the premier pitchers that we have been fortunate to get out of the state of Tennessee. He has overriding arm strength with the ability to throw consistent strikes,” Corbin said. “His future is bright and it is only a matter of time before he impacts our staff.”

Everett’s fastball touched 98 at times this year, and his 96 mph fastball was the fastest recorded at the 2014 World Wood Bat Association World Championship last fall in Jupiter, Fla.

He and fellow Vanderbilt freshman righty Patrick Raby were teammates on the Royals Scout Team at the 2014 WWBA.

Thoughts and prayers to @Donny_Everett_9 and his family. Had a very bright future and taken way to soon. Rest in peace brother #RIP

— Kolby Allard (@KolbyAllard) June 3, 2016

Rest in peace Donny Everett. Gone way to soon and had way to much ahead.. I will miss you my friend.. Can’t even believe this happened..— Bryce Denton (@brycedenton25) June 3, 2016

Rest In Peace Donny Everett 🙏🏼Prayers go out to your family and the Vanderbilt community. You’re playing for Gods team now ?? 🌅

— Drew Finley (@D_Finley09) June 3, 2016

Thoughts & prayers to everyone with @VandyBaseball and to the Everett family on their tragic loss. #VandyBoys

— Louisville Baseball (@UofLBaseball) June 3, 2016