US water polo star’s sister-in-law unexpectedly dies while visiting the Paris Olympics, leaving the family and community in shock.
The sister-in-law of a famous US water polo player Maggie Steffens has tragically passed away while visiting the Paris Olympics.
The news has shocked many and brought sadness to the sporting community.
Maggie Steffens’ family visited Paris to support her’s performance
Previously, the family of the water polo star was excited to be in Paris to support their loved one and enjoy the Olympic experience.
The sister-in-law, who was only 26 years old, had joined the family on this special trip.
However, their joy quickly turned to sorrow when she suddenly passed away.
Maggie Steffens’ sister-in-law tragically died at Paris Olympics
Team USA coach Adam Krikorian announced that Lulu Conner, who was 26, had passed away.
This happened after Team USA won their first Olympic match against Greece on Saturday.
The exact reason for her death has not been shared, and the reports saying she died from an embolism have not been proven.
Lulu Conner is the younger sister of Bobby Conner, who got married to Steffens in the fall of 2023.
The family is now mourning her loss while trying to cope with the shock of the situation.
“She was so excited for the Olympic Games,” Maggie Steffens said.
“We’re really close. She’s the light of the world. She just brings so much joy to everyone. She always brings people together.
“It definitely helps to play. I’m like so out of body in a way right now.
“And I just keep trying to remind myself what Lulu would want and how she would be, you know, how can I embody her spirit the best.
Lulu was somebody that gave 150 percent to everything she did,” three-time Olympic gold medal-winning water polo star Maggie Steffens.
During the opening ceremony on Friday night, Steffens was seen tossing flowers into the Seine from Team USA’s boat.
NBC’s broadcast mentioned that her husband’s family had recently lost a member, but no additional details were given at that moment.
The team faces challenges while dealing with the passing of Lulu
In addition to Lulu’s passing, the team is also dealing with the cancer fight of Pat Woepse, who is married to Tokyo Games MVP Maddie Musselman.
Woepse told The Associated Press that coming to the 2024 Paris Games was his main goal, even with his health problems.
After the team’s 16-5 win against Greece on Saturday, he said, “It’s been an emotional day. I’m very happy to be here to support Maddie and the team.”