Stony Brook University Softball Player Danni Kemp Dies Of Cancer At 19

The Stony Brook University community and far beyond is mourning the death of student-athlete Danni Kemp, whose story touched people nationwide.

The news was announced Friday on social media on the Danni Kemp Cancer Support Group Page, which read, "With a broken heart and tremendous pain. I wanted to let everyone know that Danni has passed away. She passed peacefully in her sleep early this morning surrounded by her loving family. We all are in shock and wanted every one to know that she fought to the very end, never complained and had her humor to the very end. I will keep you all informed as we make plans for Danni."

Kemp, a Milford, Conn. native, was recently selected as the Connecticut Sports Writers' Alliance Bob Casey Courage Award winner.

The Stony Brook softball team was scheduled to play two games in Albuquerque, N.M., Friday, but will not play either.

"Our hearts are heavy today and our love goes out to Danni and her family," Stony Brook Head Softball Coach Megan Bryant said. "In all too short of a young life, Danni touched so many in a beautiful way. She fought so hard against this terrible disease, and showed us what true courage is. May Danni only know peace now."

Photo of Kemp and her parents via GoFundMe

Kemp, 19, was diagnosed with a rare, inoperable brain tumor this past summer while playing softball with the Stratford Brakettes. In high school, she was diagnosed with kidney cancer, which was in remission. Kemp was a three-sport athlete at Foran High School and an All-State softball player in 2015. She played softball her freshman year at Stony Brook in 2016.

Last July Kemp was hit in the head with a pitch while playing softball for the Stratford Brakettes. After testing for a concussion, doctors discovered Kemp had an inoperable brain tumor.

Kemp missed the fall semester at Stony Brook to undergo radiation treatment. She started treatments for the tumor in August at Yale-New Haven Hospital. In December, Kemp traveled to Germany for a series of treatments. Her teammates at Stony Brook dedicated the spring season to Kemp.

Kemp’s fight has caught the attention of the softball community. Two-time Olympic pitcher Jennie Finch tweeted about Kemp last year, and other athletes and schools have held fundraisers to help Kemp in her battle. On Twitter, the hashtags #DanniStrong and #DK23 have been used by teammates at Stony Brook and other America East Conference softball programs.

At Foran from 2011-2015, Kemp was a standout for the girls softball team, playing catcher and then shortstop.

Milford native and NBC Connecticut News Anchor Heidi Voight said on Sunday, April 2, her and NBC Connecticut's Ted Koppy are co-hosting the Dash for Danni 5K at Voight's alma mater, Foran High.

"This was originally supposed to be a fundraiser to help pay for her treatments. Now it will be a memorial race in her honor. Proceeds will still support the Kemp family as they pay for her medical expenses and make arrangements for Danni's final rest," Voight said on her social media page. "If you'd like to join us to honor this bright life lost far too soon, please register online or day-of here."

Kemp played volleyball and basketball for two years but stopped playing her junior year to focus on softball.

Last spring, she played second base for Stony Brook.

Kemp was a recipient of the Fairfield County Sports Commissions Chelsea Cohen Award for her inspirational battle and strength in overcoming life-altering obstacle.

"Danni was a beautiful soul who had her entire life in front of her," Stony Brook Director of Athletics Shawn Heilbron said. I am devastated beyond words and heartbroken for her family and everyone who loved her. Her valiant fight over the past several months was an inspiration to all of us, and her impact on the Stony Brook Athletics family will be felt for many years to come."

Story by Brian McCready

Photo courtesy of Stony Brook University