Stanford University soccer player Katie Meyer died by suicide, her parents revealed on the “Today” show on Friday, noting that concern over potential disciplinary action from the school may have been a factor in her death earlier this week.
Steve and Gina Meyer shared the news with the “Today” show audience Friday morning.
The parents of Stanford University soccer star Katie Meyer are speaking out about her death by suicide with the hopes of helping other families. @stephgosk reports. https://t.co/hXTTpM7RWS pic.twitter.com/sPJReGPSD3
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 4, 2022
“She died by suicide,” Gina Meyer told host Stephanie Gosk. “The last couple days are like a parent’s worst nightmare and you don’t wake up from it. So it’s just horrific.”
“I don’t even think it’s hit us yet. We’re still in shock. But we had no red flags,” she added.
As Katie’s parents have investigated the motives that may have led to their daughter’s death, they mentioned a recent email concerning possible discipline from her university.
Stanford University issued a statement to “Today” regarding the Meyers’ mention of disciplinary action.
“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,” the statement said.
In addition to the interview given by Katie’s parents on Friday, the Santa Clara County medical examiner found no indication of foul play, according to a statement Thursday obtained by multiple outlets, the New York Post reported on Thursday. The cause of death was ruled self-inflicted.
Katie Meyer, a 22-year-old senior, had served as team captain on the university soccer team since 2020, playing the position of goalkeeper, according to her Stanford bio. She was studying international relations and history.
“It is with great sadness that we report that Katie Meyer, a senior majoring in International Relations and minoring in History, a Resident Assistant, and a team captain and goalkeeper on the Stanford Women’s Soccer Team, has passed away,” Vice Provost for Student Affairs Susie Brubaker-Cole told students.
“Please join us in offering our deepest condolences to her parents and sisters,” Brubaker-Cole wrote. “We would also like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Katie’s friends, hallmates, classmates, teammates, faculty and coaches. University counseling staff have been on-site at her residence hall, and athletics counseling staff have been working with our student athletes. We will continue to reach out and offer support to the many campus community members who knew her.”
Stanford’s women’s basketball team also released a statement in honor of Meyer.
“We are so grateful to have known and loved Katie, to have watched her energy and competitiveness on the field, and to have been the recipients of her support. We love and we miss you. Stanford is not, and never will be, the same without you,” the statement read.
Katie Meyer will have a lasting impact on our entire team, Stanford University and women's sports forever. https://t.co/eESbxDsn3Y pic.twitter.com/RU6wHDuEdk
— Stanford WBB 🌲🏀 (@StanfordWBB) March 3, 2022
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free hotline for individuals in crisis or distress or for those looking to help someone else. It is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.