Danielle Downey remembered gratefully by her Auburn coach | Golf News and Tour Information [Video]

When Evans — the Hall of Fame women’s golf coach at Auburn — was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last May, she relied on Downey, a former player back working for her alma mater, to attend to more than simply her golf team. Try walking Evans’ dog. And bringing over groceries or a meal. Or simply stopping by to make her smile.

Downey was always there for Evans, which made the news of Downey’s death in a single-car accident the evening of Jan. 30 that much more difficult to accept. Downey was 33.

“She was a special kid,” Evans said Monday before flying out to attend services in Downey’s hometown of Rochester, N.Y. “I’m going to miss her dearly. And the Auburn community will miss her.”

Downey at the 2002 NCAA Championships, where she finished tied for runner-up. Courtesy: Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

Evans said the accident occurred less than half a …