College Gymnast Dies After Freak Training Accident

A gymnast from Southern Connecticut State University died following a training accident on Friday (November 8). Melanie Coleman, 20, was performing a “routine training exercise” on the uneven bars when she lost her balance and fell. She suffered an upper-body injury and was rushed to the hospital, where she died two days later.

Coleman was a junior and studying to become a nurse. She was an outstanding athlete earning recognition as an All-American Scholar-Athlete by USA Gymnastics and named a Scholastic All-American by Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association.

“This has been devastating to her coaches and teammates and we hope to support them in this very difficult time,” SCSU’s Director of Athletics Jay Moran said. “Melanie was a very bright student, an excellent athlete and involved member of the Southern Connecticut community. The entire Southern athletics family is greatly saddened by her loss.”

Photo: Southern Connecticut State University