Stanford football goalkeeper Katie Meyer faced potential disciplinary action from the university before taking her own life – a factor that may have contributed to her tragic death, her broken parents said on Friday.
“Katie, like Katie, was defending her teammate on campus because of an accident and the consequences of defending that teammate. [were possibly resulting in disciplinary action]”Her father, Steve, told NBC’s Today.
Mayer’s mother, Gina, wore one of Katie’s red sweaters during the emotional interview, saying it smelled of her and helped relieve the burning pain of losing her daughter.
Meyer, 22, who was found dead in her dormitory room on Tuesday, was months after graduation, but a possible branch of discipline may have played a role in her death, her parents said.
Mayer’s parents believe she received an email from Stanford about possible disciplinary action before she died.
Katie Meyer noted the requirements for college athletes in a “Student Spotlight” profile published by Stanford in October. John Todd / ISI Photos / Getty Images
“We haven’t seen this email yet,” said Gina Meyer. “She has been receiving letters for several months. This letter was something like the last letter that there would be a lawsuit or something. That’s the only thing we can think of that caused something. “
“She died of suicide,” said the sobbing mother. “The last few days are like a parent’s worst nightmare and you don’t wake up from it. So it’s just awful. “
Mayer said her daughter was “excited” and “happening a lot” in her life, but did not show any warning signs that she was upset.
A bouquet of flowers lies at the base of the flagpole outside Maloney Field at Laird Q. Cagan Stadium in honor of Katie Meyer. Carlos Avila Gonzalez / San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
Steve Meyer said his daughter had previously defended her teammate on campus during an unspecified incident and the potential discipline she faced could have weighed on her.
The couple also questioned whether the enormous pressure to be a collegiate athlete was too great for Katie, the team captain who helped Stanford win the 2019 NCAA Women’s Football Championship.
“There is anxiety and stress to be perfect, to be the best, to be number one,” said Gina Meyer.
The couple spoke to Katie just hours before she committed suicide. The medical examiner found no signs of wrongdoing.
“She was excited,” Gina said of her parents’ last FaceTime call with their daughter. “She had a lot on her plate. She had many things. But she was happy. She was in a great mood. “
Gina Meyer said the couple is now desperately looking for answers.
“We’re just, we’re fighting right now,” she said. “We are trying to find out what happened. And why did it happen, you know? We are just broken-hearted, we are so broken-hearted. ”
Stanford University declined to comment on any possible discipline the star goalkeeper may have encountered, citing student privacy.
Mayer helped lead Stanford to the 2019 National Championships John Todd / ISI Photos / Getty Images
“Our entire community is devastated by Katie’s death, and we share our deepest condolences with Katie’s family and everyone who knew her at Stanford, across the country and around the world,” university officials told Today in a statement. “Katie has touched so many lives… We as a university community continue to grieve with Katie’s family and cherish her memories.”
Mayer, a graduate of international relations, noted the requirements for college athletes in a “student spotlight” profile published by Stanford in October.
“Balancing school and football was a challenge, but that’s all I ever knew,” Mayer said. “Traveling in the fall season can be stressful because I miss classes, but my teachers were so responsive and understanding.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for a free and confidential crisis consultation. If you live outside the five districts, you can call the 24-800-273-8255 24-Hour Suicide Prevention Hotline or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.