22 Year Old Stanford Goalie, Katie Meyer, Cause Of Death Announced
National Champion goalie Katie Meyer passed three days ago and her cause of death was announced.
The Stanford community mourned the loss of 22 year old Stanford goalie, Katie Meyer, as she passed away on March 1. When the Sheriff Deputies responded to Meyer’s dorm on campus, they found Meyer unresponsive.
Last night, it was announced that Meyer’s cause of death was suicide.
The parents of Katie, Steven and Gina Meyers, spoke about the death of their daughter with Today. Gina confirmed that her daughter passed from suicide while also adding that the situation is a “parent’s worst nightmare” and “it’s just horrific”.
Steven mentioned in the interview that Katies suicide could be related to Katie fearing potential disciplinary action from Stanford. He added that Katie was “defending a teammate on campus over an incident and the repercussions of her defending that teammate (were possibly resulting in disciplinary action)” and by doing so, this may have factored into their 22 year old daughter taking her own life.
Stanford gave a statement to the Today show saying “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.” They also added that “Katie touched so many lives.”
Friends of the Cardinal goalkeeper described Meyer as a “larger-than-life team player in all her pursuits”.
Back in the 2019 National Championship game, Meyer made news when she made two big time saves in a penalty shootout to beat the North Carolina Tar Heels.
According to NCBI in 2020, 7.3% of collegiate athletes that died were because of suicide. Since then, that number has only grown and is becoming more of a concern. The stress of athletics coupled with academics and campus life weigh on a person. And at most schools, athletes are held to a higher standard than those who do not play on a varsity athletic team.
My heart goes out to the Meyer family and any other family that has lost a son or daughter student athlete to suicide. If you’re struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, contact 800-273-8255.