Gendie Miller, 49, from Ligonier, Pennsylvania, was a dedicated mother and beloved member of the local softball community. On July 23, 2025, she was attending a college showcase softball camp in McKeesport with her husband, Bill, to support their 16-year-old daughter, Marlee. Seeking shade in the sweltering heat, the couple sat under a tree—unaware that it would lead to a devastating tragedy.
As Marlee practiced, Bill heard a sudden cracking sound and urged Gendie to move. A smaller branch hit him as he jumped, but when he turned to check on Gendie, he saw her face down beneath a pile of massive branches. Despite immediate efforts from bystanders to help, Gendie was severely injured by a limb striking her head. She was rushed to Forbes Hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Gendie was known for her warmth, humor, and selfless support of her family and the softball community across three states. Her death shocked friends and loved ones, including close family friend Luka Bompiani, who described her as a second mother to many. Marlee’s strength in the aftermath moved everyone, as she told her father, “We’ve got this together.” The family’s resilience has been met with overwhelming community support, including a GoFundMe campaign that raised nearly $49,000.
While no amount of money can replace Gendie, donations will help cover funeral costs and support the Millers during this heartbreaking time. Friends, coaches, and neighbors continue to rally behind the family, remembering Gendie not only for the tragic way she died—but for the beautiful, giving life she lived.
