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[CVSoftballFan]

 

[elfish]

Here is an updated article, 

Star softball pitcher committed suicide
By DENISSE SALAZAR, GREG HARDESTY and DOUG IRVING
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Story Highlights
Nadia Brianne Matthews, 16, considered a top prospect.
Nadia Brianne Matthews had a glowing future.

The sophomore star softball pitcher at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana had verbally committed to play for the University of Arizona, and had a sense of confidence, grace and warmth that went beyond her 16 years, friends say.


Brianne Matthews is seen pitching for the Batbusters, her travel softball team.
FILE PHOTO
Her suicide Thursday at her Anaheim home has shocked and devastated relatives, friends and teachers and coaches who saw in her amazing talent and promise – a nice girl who could put a smile on anyone's face.

"She was very smart and genuine," said Bri Hopkins, a friend and fellow Mater Dei student. "Whatever she was going through, she didn't deserve it."

The coroner Friday afternoon ruled the manner of death suicide, "by ligature hanging."

Relatives were gathered at the family's apartment where Matthews was found. They had no immediate comment.

Shortly before 8 p.m. Thursday, Anaheim fire and police were sent to the apartment in the 2100 block of E. Almont Ave, regarding a girl not breathing, said Anaheim police Sgt. Rick Martinez.

Paramedics administered CPR to the girl – later identified as Matthews, who went by "Bri."

She was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange, where she was pronounced dead at 8:22 p.m.e.

"In order to respect the rights of privacy to the family, we are not releasing any additional details at this time," Martinez said.

Matthews was a pitcher for the Monarchs, and was considered one of the state's top softball prospects for the class of 2012.

She was one of the most highly sought after recruits in the nation. Some considered her the best pitching prospect in Southern California.

As a freshman at Mater Dei High, she went 14-4 with a 0.98 ERA and 138 strikeouts in 107 innings. Matthews had committed to Arizona, ranked No. 2 in the nation, a couple of months ago.

Frances Clare, principal of Mater Dei High School, said in a statement that Matthews' death has been "devastating" to the school community. Officials have called in extra counselors for students, faculty or staff members.

"May Bri rest in God's eternal peace," Clare said. "Please keep Bri's family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

Annica Wolfe played on the Orange County Batbusters with Matthews and remembers her being "really goofy and outgoing."

"She was really confident and funny. Every time you (spent time) around her, you just had a smile on your face," Wolfe, 18, said.

Wolfe, a senior at Rio Mesa High School in Oxnard, said she found out about Matthews death when a friend texted her.

"All of our friends are completely in awe. It's crazy," she said. "I would never think that would happen to Bri...because she just has so much going for her."
 
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[yellerdog10]

A memorial service for former Mater Dei pitcher Bri Matthews has been scheduled for 3:15 p.m. Friday at Huntington Beach Sports Complex.

Matthews' family felt this was the best place to honor since she played many games there. Matthews, who was the OCVarsity Freshman of the Year last season, was found dead at her Anaheim home on Thursday. She had committed suicide.

This is not a religious service. It will be a gathering of her family, friends, classmates and anyone inside or outside the softball community is welcome. The Matthews family wants the gathering to be open to anyone who wants to convey a final goodbye to Bri.

Matthews family asks that high school players attending the memorial wear their complete high school uniform or for non-high school players to wear their travel ball uniforms. The family thought this would be a great tribute to Bri to have all her fellow players in uniform.

The memorial will be held on the softball field. The City of Huntington Beach will drag and chalk the field, install the bases and the outfield fence. There will be a stage set up behind second base and chairs will be placed in the outfield.

If anyone would like to bring cookies and cupcakes it would be appreciated. There will be a few tables set up for donated desserts.

[teamtric]

My prayers are with you.