My prayers go out to the family & friends of Cynthia Phillipson. It's a very somber day at CCHS. pic.twitter.com/qTYSQANUPM — Sara Yingling (@SYinglingWTRF) November 3, 2014

Practices for basketball season are just getting underway, but the first tragic fatality connected with the sport has already struck.

As reported by the Steubenville Herald-Star and Ohio Fox affiliate WTOV, Steubenville Catholic Central student athlete Cynthia Phillipson collapsed during a team workout and was rushed to a hospital in Pittsburgh. She never recovered and was pronounced dead on Sunday night.

Students and staff held a candlelight vigil for Phillipson on Sunday evening at the school. According to the Herald-Star, more than 250 people were in attendance just outside the Catholic Central main entrance, all reflecting on the freshman and her life as part of the community.

“The girls have been talking about Cynthia and praying for her since she was taken to the hospital last week,” Catholic Central girls basketball coach Jess Looman told the Herald-Sun. “We said a Hail Mary and then gathered in our team huddle to dedicate our thoughts to Cynthia.”

Added Bishop John King Mussio Junior High School Principal Theresa Danaher, who was in charge of the school Cynthia attended for the prior three years:

“Cynthia was in the Crusader marching band and was a Royalette this year. She was always smiling and always happy. And she was liked by everyone who met her. She could light up a room with her smile.”

The outpouring of grief over Phillipson’s loss was also felt on social media, where friends reflected on a life lost far too soon.

god gained a beautiful angel tonight 💛💙 prayers to the phillipson family and friends!You will be missed by many Cynthia #CynthiaStrong — Kaitlyn Whitaker (@whit_kaitlyn24) November 3, 2014

RIP Cynthia Phillipson💔 just last week I was playing volleyball with you & our sisters. I know my siblings will miss you very much. — Khloé DiBiase (@kdbz2) November 3, 2014

R.I.P Cynthia 🙏 I'll never understand why God takes people from us at such a young age. May peace be granted on the Phillipson family. — Brittney Ann (@briiittneyyyy) November 3, 2014