What to Know
College softball player Gabriella Muñoz passed away unexpectedly on July 9, 2026. The 19-year-old attended Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina. Muñoz died while visiting her family in Texas, but the details surrounding her death remain unknown.
Livingstone College shared an update on social media, dispelling rumors that the athlete died on campus. The school urged others not to gossip and offered her loved ones words of support.
Muñoz took her athletic and academic careers seriously.
According to Livingstone College, she “represented the very best” of the student body. Muñoz was a talented athlete who made Dean’s List honors in both semesters of the 2025-2026 school year while maintaining a 3.75 GPA.
“As we mourn this tremendous loss, we ask the Livingstone College community to keep Gabriella’s family, teammates, coaches, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.
Although her time with us was far too short, her legacy will live on through the lives she touched. On behalf of Livingstone College and the entire Blue Bear family, we honor Gabriella’s life with gratitude, love, and remembrance,” the college wrote in a July 10 Facebook post.
Livingstone College wanted to make one thing very clear.
Two days later, Livingstone clarified that Muñoz’s death occurred away from campus and wanted the public to know that.
“It is difficult to understand the insensitive actions that some will take during this time of our campus community grieving. Gabriella was a Blue Bear and will always be a Blue Bear,” President Anthony J. Davis shared. “Our focus remains on honoring Gabriella’s life, celebrating her many contributions to our campus community, and supporting all who are mourning this tremendous loss.”
Many people shared kind words with Muñoz’s family.
“Such a beautiful soul. She will be missed on campus,” one person wrote.
This person agreed, writing, “Sending love and condolences to Gabriella’s family.”
She was a cherished member of her community.
St. Bartholomew Catholic Church posted about Muñoz on Facebook following her death. She was reportedly very active in the church and took her faith with her everywhere.
“Her Catholic faith was not simply something she professed; it shaped her daily life. Her twin sister, Isabella, shared Gabi’s well-used Bible, filled with notes and marked passages that revealed how seriously she studied the Word of God,” the post reads. “While attending college, Gabi also created a prayer group chat with her classmates so they could encourage one another and pray together.”
Muñoz’s family will miss her terribly.
According to her obituary, Muñoz loved playing sports, particularly softball, and spending time with her family. Her creativity knew no bounds, often expressed through her love for crafts. Gabi had a zest for life evident in her love of hiking, beach trips with her sister and friends, and country music. She was an avid reader and cherished spending time with her friends and family, creating memories that will be treasured forever.
Her family expressed grief over losing the teenager so young in life “Her bright spirit and infectious smile touched the lives of everyone she met.”
While no cause of death has been released, her family asked for donations to the Epilepsy Foundation of Texas in Muñoz’s name.
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