Sydney Barnes

By Jillian Pikora From Daily Voice

Millersville University is mourning the death of Sydney Barnes, a 21-year-old Franklin County resident and standout women’s golfer who died from injuries sustained in a pedestrian crash in Greencastle, Dauphin County Officials announced on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Barnes was struck by a vehicle in Greencastle Borough on Sunday, Oct. 13, suffering a traumatic brain injury and facial fractures, according to the coroner’s report. She was transported to Penn State Hershey Medical Center, where she died on Monday, Oct. 20. Her death was ruled accidental, caused by traumatic brain injury and facial fractures due to being struck as a pedestrian, the coroner said.

Barnes, a junior biology major at Millersville University, was a beloved member of the women’s golf team and a two-time Women’s Golf Coaches Association All-American Scholar and Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete. Over three seasons, she competed in 27 events, earning 18 top-25 finishes and helping the Marauders set a school record for wins in 2025, the university said in a release on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

She made Millersville history as a freshman, becoming the first women’s golfer in program history to record a hole-in-one during the Michael Corbett Fall Classic on Oct. 9, 2023.

“Sydney played the game and lived life with a smile and joy that came from her faith,” Millersville Athletics said. “Her presence on the team, within the athletic department, and on campus will be greatly missed.”

Her coach described Barnes as “a bright light in the lives of all who knew her,” recalling her singing joyfully on the ride home from their last tournament. “She loved music,” he shared. “It was an honor to be her golf coach and mentor these last two years at Millersville University. Her young life was cut too short in a tragic accident… her passing is a reminder to cherish every moment and to lift others to a better place.”

The Greencastle-Antrim School District, where Barnes graduated in 2023, said their “GA family wraps our hearts and arms around the Barnes family.” The district remembered her as “pure light and love and a great source of pride to our community,” adding that “her impact and loss is felt widely and deeply.”

Off the course, Barnes enjoyed hiking, kayaking, swimming, and spending time with friends and her dog. She also served as a lifeguard and was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Millersville University extended its deepest condolences to her family, friends, classmates, and teammates.

Funeral details were unavailable at the time of publishing.