Southeast Missouri State softball recruit dies in car accident

The Southeast Missouri State softball program is in mourning after a high school senior who planned to play for the Redhawks lost her life early Sunday in an automobile accident.

Tianna Stockley, who was driving, died after her car ran off Interstate 44's westbound lanes near St. Louis, crashed through a cable barrier and overturned on the eastbound lanes.

Stockley, 18, attended Sullivan (Mo.) High School. The two-time all-state shortstop signed a letter of intent with the Southeast softball program in November.

"We're all just devastated. Our entire Southeast Missouri family is devastated," Southeast coach Lana Richmond said. "My heart goes out to Mike and Sherri Stockley, and their entire family. They are in our thoughts and prayers."

Stockley, in addition to being a star athlete, ranked 18th in her class with a 3.83 grade point average.

"She committed to us her junior year. She was looking very forward to joining our softball program. We recruited her as [senior] Renee Kertz's replacement at shortstop," Richmond said. "She's from the St. Louis area, so a lot of our St. Louis kids knew her from playing with her."

Funeral arrangements are pending.