Stanford University student-athlete Katie Meyer was found dead this past Tuesday morning. Her death has since been ruled a suicide by Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, as there has been no evidence of foul play. 

Meyer was 22 years old and was captain and goalie for the women’s soccer team. She was majoring in International Relations, and to an outside perspective was a bright and happy girl to all the people surrounding her. 

Stanford University officials released the following statement reflecting on the loss of Meyer stating, “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, Katie touched so many lives. We are not able to share information about confidential student disciplinary matters. We as a university community continue to grieve with Katie’s family and cherish our memories of her.”

Recently, Meyer had been defending a teammate on campus over an undisclosed incident and had been experiencing written backlash from the University. Meyer’s parents have spoken out, and they feel a potential disciplinary action placed by Stanford could have triggered her desire to take her own life. They believe the last letter Meyer received was a notice that she was being called to a trial. 

Other than the situation with the University, Meyer’s family and friends are unable to speculate any other reasons Meyer would feel the need to take her own life other than the pressures of being a student-athlete. Meyer had seemed to always be living life to the fullest with a bright smile. 

On Mar. 12, 2022, there is a memorial being held at one of the fields that Meyer had played on. They are welcoming all family, friends and anyone who wants to be a part of remembering Meyer. 

If you or a loved one has shown any signs of suicidal or negative thoughts, remember you can always reach out to someone you trust or the Suicide Hotline at (800)-273-8255.