Nevada football helmets to carry fallen cheerleader’s initials

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 1998 | 10:44 a.m.

The stickers carry the initials "M.L.," for Melissa Link 18, Reno, who died after her Ford Bronco flipped Friday on U.S. Highway 395 about 12 miles south of Fallon.

"It's just a shock because I would always see here walking between classes up here," said Jeff Peterson, a Wolf Pack linebacker who attended Wooster High School with Link.

Running back Chris Lemon, another friend of the freshman cheerleader who rushed for 190 yards in the 31-20 win over UNLV, heard about the accident before the game and dedicated his performance to her by writing her initials on his wrist band.

"It's just a tragedy," Lemon said Monday.

"She was a kind, caring person. There are so many good things you could say about her. In life, bad things happen and sometimes it's not fair. I don't mean to get all religious, but God is probably going to have a special place for her," he said.

Three other women, including another member of the cheerleading squad, Elisa Zwart, were injured in the crash Friday night. The Nevada Highway Patrol said Link was trying to pass a car, but then swerved back into her lane and lost control. Alcohol was not involved in the accident, the patrol said.

Link's family issued a statement through the university thanking the community for its "outpouring of love and support." They said several of her organs were donated to others.

"Melissa's life touched the lives of so many. It was her with to continue giving by supporting the gift of life," the family said.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked donations be sent to the Melissa Rose Link Spirit of Sport Gymnastic Scholarship Fund.

Heather Soper-Wilson, coach of the Nevada cheerleading and dance squad, said Link was an elite gymnast.

"She had a lot to give the program talent-wise and attitude-wise," she said.