Sign Up For Charity Tennis Tournament In Memory Of Essex County Woman Who Died Young

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Laura Holtz began playing tennis in the Maplewood recreation program at 6, and became a caring teacher of the sport, but died young of complications related to epilepsy.

Holtz was attending Drexel University in Philadelphia in 1997 when she was found dead in her off-campus apartment at age 20. According to the campus paper, the Triangle, it was presumed that the death was related to an epileptic seizure.

"She was very nice and friendly," a neighbor told the paper at the time.

The Maplewood Recreation Department is sponsoring the 5th Annual Laura Holtz Tennis Tournament to Fight Epilepsy on Sept. 9 and 10.

Holtz "became a tennis instructor while in high school for the children’s classes and for the tennis camp," according to event organizers. "She was a talented tennis player, caring teacher, and a wonderful person. Laura passed away from complications relating to epilepsy at the age of 20. This charity tournament is being held in Laura’s memory."

While registration opened only for Maplewood and South Orange residents on July 1, registration will open to everyone on Aug. 1.

The doubles tournament is for adults ages 21 and over. Teams must be two adults – any combination of genders.

The competition will be held at the Memorial Park and Walter Park Tennis Courts. Cost: $50 per team. Register Online at: https://maplewood.recdesk.com/Community/Program