TERRIBLE REPORT: The Middle Tennessee Fast-Pitch Softball Team Two Players Lost in Horrific Disaster
April 25, 2025 – Murfreesboro, Tennessee
The Middle Tennessee Fast-Pitch Softball community is reeling after the tragic loss of two of its most promising players, following a catastrophic accident late Wednesday night. The team, known for its close-knit bond and rising success in regional tournaments, is now united in grief as it mourns the untimely deaths of 19-year-old Kayla Simmons and 20-year-old Breanna Holt.
The two athletes were traveling back from a team fundraiser in Nashville when their vehicle collided with a transport truck on Interstate 24. Emergency responders arrived at the scene within minutes, but the impact had already proven fatal. The loss has left teammates, families, and fans across the state in shock, as tributes pour in from across the softball and athletic communities.
THE ACCIDENT
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the crash occurred near mile marker 74, just outside of Smyrna. The vehicle carrying Simmons and Holt, a small SUV, was struck on the driver’s side by a large freight truck attempting to avoid another vehicle that had suddenly changed lanes.
Troopers say there is no indication of foul play or impairment at this time, but the investigation remains ongoing. The driver of the truck sustained minor injuries and is cooperating fully with authorities.
“This is a tragic reminder of how quickly life can change,” said THP spokesperson Sgt. Melanie Crain. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of these young women.”
REMEMBERING KAYLA AND BREANNA
Both Kayla Simmons and Breanna Holt had become standout athletes in the Middle Tennessee Fast-Pitch program. Simmons, a recent graduate of Riverdale High School, was known for her blazing speed on the bases and fierce competitiveness as a center fielder. She had just completed her first semester at Motlow State Community College, where she earned a starting spot on the team.
“Kayla was electric,” said coach Alisha Dunham. “She brought energy and spirit to every practice, every game. She was destined for greatness, not just in sports, but in life.”
Breanna Holt, a third-year player from Shelbyville, was equally admired by her teammates and coaches. A steady and powerful presence on the mound, she was one of the team’s most reliable pitchers and a mentor to younger players.
“Bree was the kind of player who made everyone better,” said assistant coach Terrance Moore. “She was smart, composed, and fearless when she stepped onto the field.”
Off the diamond, both players were known for their generosity and kindness. Kayla volunteered with youth clinics for aspiring softball players, while Breanna spent her weekends mentoring girls at a local community center.
COMMUNITY REACTION
The news of their deaths spread quickly, prompting an outpouring of grief and support from the greater Middle Tennessee sports community. Vigils were held in Murfreesboro, Shelbyville, and several neighboring towns on Thursday evening, as hundreds gathered to remember the players and share stories about their lives.
In Murfreesboro, the team’s home field was transformed into a tribute site. Flowers, signed jerseys, and handwritten notes now surround the dugout where Kayla and Breanna once stood proudly with their teammates. A large banner with their names and jersey numbers hangs above the scoreboard, illuminated by flickering candles.
“It doesn’t feel real,” said teammate Lexi Shaw through tears. “They were the soul of this team. We don’t know how to move forward without them—but we’ll try, for them.”
LEAGUE AND SCHOOL RESPONSE
The Middle Tennessee Amateur Softball League issued an official statement on Thursday morning:
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kayla Simmons and Breanna Holt, two bright stars in our league and in life. Their loss is deeply felt across every dugout, diamond, and sideline. We offer our heartfelt condolences to their families and teammates.”
Both Motlow State and the Middle Tennessee Fast-Pitch organization have suspended all games and team activities through the weekend. Grief counselors have been made available to teammates, classmates, and staff members impacted by the tragedy.
FAMILIES MOURN
In emotional statements released through the team, the families of Kayla Simmons and Breanna Holt expressed their sorrow and called for continued support and love as they navigate the unimaginable pain.
“Kayla was everything to us—our joy, our light, our baby girl. She had dreams bigger than the sky, and though her time was too short, she lived with a fire that inspired us all,” the Simmons family said.
“Breanna was strong, funny, and wise beyond her years. Her heart was as big as her talent. We are devastated but proud to have called her our daughter,” shared the Holt family.
Funeral and memorial service details will be shared in the coming days, with both families expressing a desire for the community to come together in celebration of their daughters’ lives.
A LEGACY OF INSPIRATION
Though their lives were tragically cut short, Kayla Simmons and Breanna Holt have left behind a legacy that stretches far beyond the field. Plans are already underway to establish two scholarship funds in their honor, one focusing on female athletes in underserved areas and the other supporting young women studying sports medicine—Breanna’s intended future career path.
Coach Dunham confirmed that both players’ jersey numbers will be retired permanently by the team and that the 2025 season will be dedicated entirely to their memory.
“We can’t replace them,” she said. “But we can honor them with every pitch, every swing, every win, and even every loss. Their spirit will never leave us.”
FINAL WORDS
In a sport that thrives on grit, unity, and resilience, the Middle Tennessee Fast-Pitch Softball Team is being tested in unimaginable ways. But through their pain, a deeper truth emerges—one of love, remembrance, and the unbreakable bond of teammates who became family.
Kayla Simmons and Breanna Holt may no longer step up to the plate, but their memory will echo with every crack of the bat and roar of the crowd.
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