STANFORD, Calif — Stanford soccer star Katie Meyer's death has been ruled a suicide. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office confirmed the cause of death Friday.
“The County of Santa Clara Medical Examiner-Coroner is investigating Kathryn Meyer’s death. There is no indication of foul play, and Meyer’s death was determined to be self-inflicted,” the Sheriff's Office said in a statement. “The Medical Examiner-Coroner extends sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Katie Meyer.”
The popular goalie who led the Cardinal to the 2019 NCAA College Cup championship game was 22. Stanford announced Tuesday that Meyer had died in her campus residence, and Friday her parents — Steve and Gina Meyer — went on NBC's “Today" show and discussed how potential disciplinary action by the school might have triggered something for their daughter.
“The last couple days are like a parent’s worst nightmare and you don’t wake up from it. So it’s just horrific," Gina Meyer told NBC News.
"I don’t even think it’s hit us yet," she added, indicating they had FaceTimed with Katie hours before her death. "We’re still in shock. But we had no red flags."
Stanford told TODAY that its community is grieving over Meyer's death, but that it could not provide information on "confidential student disciplinary matters."
The Meyer family told NBC they hope to start conversations about opening communication between parents and college administrators, even though most university students are over 18 and considered adults. The Meyers said they might have been able to do something if they had known more about what was going on in Katie's life.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time of day or night or chat online.
Meyer — who kicked extra points in football in high school — stopped two penalty shots to lead Stanford to a 5-4 shootout victory over North Carolina after a scoreless draw in the 2019 championship game.
The native Californian from Newbury Park got attention for her animated celebration after the second save of the shootout before teammate Kiara Pickett drilled her attempt to bring Stanford the trophy.