MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Danielle Ballard, formerly a high-profile player at LSU, was struck and killed by a car in Tennessee Thursday morning. 

WREG reports that Ballard, 29, was struck around 1:30 a.m. while standing along a highway in Memphis. She was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead.

The circumstances surrounding the wreck were not immediately known. 

Ballard played basketball at Memphis Central High, where she graduated in 2012 before joining the Tigers. She earned All-Southeastern Conference First Team and Defensive Team honors during her run with LSU.

LSU released the following statement Thursday:

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Danielle. She meant a great deal to our program and was such a big part of our women’s basketball family. It’s difficult to understand why this happened to someone who was so full of life and had so much promise. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends."