HAMSHIRE, Texas — Family, friends and teammates are mourning the death of Hamshire-Fannett High School senior catcher Jayleigh Moralez, a standout softball player remembered for her leadership, work ethic, and bright spirit.

Moralez died over the weekend from complications related to asthma, her family said. Her sudden passing has devastated the Hamshire-Fannett community as the new school year begins.

“She always put in the effort. She always did her reps. She was a really good player,” teammate Emileigh Droddy said. “Jaylee was a bright person. Every time she walked into the room, she had the biggest smile on her face. She had a good heart.”

Droddy, who described Moralez as her best friend of 10 years, said she was more than just a teammate. “She was also like my sister,” she said.

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