How did Sarah Shulze die?

Sarah Schulze, a member of the University of Wisconsin’s women’s track and field and cross-country teams, died by suicide earlier this month at the age of 21, NBC News reports. “Sarah took her own life,” a statement shared by Shulze’s family posted on April 15 to a website dedicated to her life read.

“Balancing athletics, academics and the demands of everyday life overwhelmed her in a single, desperate moment.” Like you, we are shocked and grief-stricken while holding on tightly to all that Sarah was.

The University of Wisconsin Athletics Department’s verified Twitter account shared a separate statement last week regarding news of the 21-year-old’s death.

“Sarah was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, friend, teammate, and Badger student-athletes,” the school said. “We extend our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to Sarah’s family, friends, and Badger teammates during this extraordinarily difficult time.”

Schulze, of Oak Park, California, earned Academic All-Big Ten honors for the 2020 and 2021 cross country seasons, as well as 2021 for the track.