Stanford University football goalkeeper Katie Meyer, who helped the school host the third women’s soccer championship in 2019, was found dead at a campus residence, according to university officials. She was 22 years old.
An investigation into the cause of death is pending, the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner’s Office said Thursday morning. University officials said there was no constant security threat on campus.
“Katie was extremely committed to everything and everyone in her world,” Stanford said in a statement. “Her friends describe her as a team player who is bigger than life in all her pursuits. Katie was a bright light for so many people on the field and in our community.”
Ms. Meyer was a major in international relations and captain of the Stanford football team. She drew national attention by making two critical saves during the 2019 Women’s Football Championship match against the University of North Carolina.
“There are no words to express the emptiness we feel at the moment,” Stanford said. “Together we will mourn this great loss and be here for each other.
Stanford said it has provided on-campus counseling staff and offers support to grieving students. “We can all help by checking out friends and loved ones. “Take care of yourself and each other,” said the university said.
The online fundraiser to provide financial support to the Mayer family generated more than $ 100,000 as of Thursday afternoon, according to GoFundMe.
Several sports organizations and athletes paid tribute to Ms. Mayer.
Star striker Alex Morgan said she was “incredibly saddened” by the loss of Ms Mayer. “Thinking of his whole family, friends and teammates, right now and hoping to get all the love they need and deserve.” she wrote on Twitter.
The women’s national football team of the United States said on Twitter that “the thoughts and hearts of the entire US Football Federation are with Katie Meyer’s family, friends, teammates and relatives.”
“We join Stanford in mourning the loss of Katie Meyer”, National Collegiate Athletics Association wrote on Twitter.
Write to Omar Abdel-Baki at [email protected]
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