Auburn student dies after Sunday wreck

Auburn. Al.

Drew Cole and Elizabeth Ainsworth (Source: AUFAMILY Twitter)

Elizabeth “Libbie” Ainsworth aspired to be an interior designer. Her online student portfolio contained sketches of comfortable living rooms, patios and kitchens for would-be home buyers.

Her passion for tasteful, modern home designs was startling.

But Ainsworth, a 20-year-old Auburn University sophomore from Coppell, Texas, passed away Tuesday at 3:50 p.m. CST in a Columbus, Ga., hospital, just two days after sustaining injuries in a single-car accident on U.S. Highway 280 in western Lee County, according to both a hospital spokesperson and Lee County Deputy Coroner Charlotte Patterson.

Ainsworth was a 2010 graduate of Coppell (Texas) High School and was pursuing a degree in interior design, with plans on graduating college in the summer of 2014.

Ainsworth, a member of the Phi Mu sorority, was traveling with boyfriend Drew Cole, a member of Auburn’s football team, early Sunday evening when their vehicle lost control. Ainsworth was ejected from the vehicle.

Cole, who was not seriously injured, was taken to East Alabama Medical Center and was treated and released. Ainsworth was airlifted to Columbus Regional Medical Center.

The official cause of death, according to Patterson, was traumatic brain injury.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Libbie's family and friends,” said Ainsley Carry, Auburn University Vice President for Student Affairs. “This is a devastating loss to the Auburn family. Libbie was an active member of our Greek community and outstanding student. Every student means and adds so much to our community that it hurts when we lose even one. We are heartbroken and saddened by this tragedy. Libbie will certainly never be forgotten.”