The entire University of Wisconsin athletics family is mourning the recent tragic death of 21-year-old track and field athlete Sarah Shulze.
Shulze, a junior standout for the Badgers’ women’s track and field and cross country teams, passed away on April 13. Wisconsin confirmed her passing on Friday.
“Sarah was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, friend and Badger student-athlete,” the athletic department said in a statement. “We extend our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to Sarah’s family, friends and Badger teammates during this extraordinarily difficult time. Our primary focus is the support of the Shulze family and our student-athletes.”
The Wisconsin Athletics community is heartbroken by the unexpected passing of Sarah Shulze pic.twitter.com/HNXK8KvJ1Q
— Wisconsin Badgers (@UWBadgers) April 22, 2022
Sadly, Shulze’s family shared on the new website they have created that the Oak Park, Calif. native “took her own life.”
“Sarah took her own life. Balancing athletics, academics and the demands of every day life overwhelmed her in a single, desperate moment,” the family wrote. “Like you, we are shocked and grief stricken while holding on tightly to all that Sarah was.”
Services to honor Shulze will take place this afternoon at the University of Wisconsin and on May 2 at the Calvary Community Church in Westlake, Calif. Her family has also set up the Sarah Shulze Foundation, which “will seek to advance and support Women’s Rights, Student Athletes and Mental Health.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Shulze family, Sarah’s teammates and friends and the entire Wisconsin community.
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