Former Softball Star Dies At 23, Memorial Game Will Honor Her In Anne Arundel County

ODENTON, MD — A former softball star from Arundel High School died recently at age 23. The Wildcats softball team will host a memorial game and a ceremony in her honor later this month.

Mariah Melendez-Richardson died unexpectedly on June 29, her obituary said. The obituary did not list her cause of death.

Melendez-Richardson started playing in the Harundale Softball League when she was 8. She played throughout high school and in her first year of college. The 2018 Arundel graduate had recently joined a slow-pitch adult league with one of her closest friends.

"She was a fierce competitor and loved playing the outfield, often flipping over fences to make the catch," her obituary said. "She also enjoyed returning to her high school to support and encourage the team."

Melendez-Richardson worked as a physical therapy and clinical technician. She recently started working in a daycare.

She also loved spending time with her family, going to the movies or parks with her siblings and walking her dog.

Amanda Richardson called her daughter "a beloved sister, a devoted friend to all those who loved her."

The mother is fundraising to cover funeral expenses. The GoFundMe had collected $10,700 by the time this story was published. Anybody can donate at this link.

"She has touched so many lives and at this time we are asking for donations to cover this tragically unexpected event," Richardson wrote on the donation page. "Mariah was a blessing to everyone that knew her. She loves softball to no end."

Arundel Softball is hosting a memorial game and ceremony on July 23 at 11 a.m. at their field. The team asked the community to bring pictures and be prepared to share their memories. All the details are posted here.

"I can't believe this," the Arundel Softball Facebook page said. "She was always so supporting of her teammates and loved her doggie."