Boyd County Mourns the Loss of Volleyball Player Kylie Crooks: A Life of Passion, Kindness, and Strength Remembered
The Boyd County community is reeling with heartbreak and sorrow as we mourn the tragic and untimely passing of Kylie Crooks, a vibrant and talented volleyball player whose presence left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Kylie’s passing has sent waves of grief across her school, teammates, family, and the broader Kentucky Christian University (KCU) community, where her sister, Bri, once proudly represented the school as a softball player.
Kylie was more than just an athlete—she was a passionate, driven, and kind-hearted young woman who inspired those around her with her relentless work ethic, positive attitude, and infectious smile. Whether on the court diving for a ball or in the hallways encouraging a classmate, Kylie lived with a spirit of determination and compassion that elevated everyone in her orbit.
Her love for the game of volleyball was matched only by her deep love for her family and friends. Kylie exemplified what it meant to be a teammate—always supportive, always leading with humility and strength. Coaches recall her as the kind of player who gave everything she had, not for glory, but for the joy of the game and the people she played alongside.
As we remember Kylie, we also recognize the deep bond she shared with her family. Her sister, Bri Crooks, a KCU alumna and former softball standout, spoke often of the pride she felt watching Kylie grow into a strong and talented young woman. Their sibling connection extended beyond sports into shared values of loyalty, perseverance, and love.
To lose someone so young, so full of promise, is a grief few can fully comprehend. Yet in our sorrow, we also choose to celebrate Kylie’s beautiful life—a life that, though tragically short, was filled with joy, love, and meaning. The echoes of her laughter and the memory of her courage will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.
The Boyd County and KCU communities join together in lifting up the Crooks family in prayer. We stand with them in mourning and offer our deepest condolences during this time of unimaginable loss.
A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Rest peacefully, Kylie. You were—and always will be—deeply loved. 💜🏐
Support and Tributes
A vigil and memorial plans will be shared with the public in the coming days. Teammates, classmates, and friends are encouraged to wear purple in Kylie’s memory and to continue to honor her legacy through kindness, sportsmanship, and compassion—the very values she lived by every day.