Volleyball Player Stabbed while Protecting Sister in Fatal Attack
Five-time U.S. Olympic volleyball player Danielle Scott required surgery after receiving multiple stab wounds while trying to protect her sister from a fatal knife attack Sunday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The Baton Rouge Advocate reported on the attack, which left Scott’s sister Stefanie Vallery dead at 51 of multiple stab wounds. Police are searching for Vallery’s estranged husband Michael Vallery, who allegedly carried out the attack at the house he used to share with Stefanie.
“He was in a rage,” Vallery’s daughter, also named Danielle Scott, told the Advocate. … “Things escalated a little more. He left out the house and then came back through a window. He started stabbing her, and we were pulling him off of her and fighting for the knife.”
USA Volleyball identified Scott as a victim in the attack on Wednesday having suffered multiple stab wounds to both hands and legs while trying to protect her sister. Vallery’s daughter Danielle was also injured in the attack.
Scott, a two-time silver medalist with USA Volleyball and International Volleyball Hall of Fame member was hospitalized in serious but stable condition and required surgery, according to USA Volleyball.
“USA Volleyball sends our strength, love and support to Danielle and her family,” USA Volleyball CEO Jamie Davis said. “We are deeply saddened by this heinous incident yet so proud of Danielle’s incredible bravery and wish her a speedy recovery.”
Former USA Volleyball teammate Tayyiba Haneef-Park set up a GoFundMe account to raise money for Vallery’s funeral and Scott’s medical costs.