Sara Shulze went to the University of Wisconsin, was on the track and cross country teams, volunteered for the 2020 elections, won academic all-Big Ten honors in 2020 and 2021 for cross country and in 2021 for track, but she couldn't take it anymore, and at just 21 years old, she took her own life.
The athlete's family announced on April 15 that two days earlier Sara had taken her own life. They gave no reason for this to happen.
"Sarah took her own life," the family said. "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.
"Above all other things, Sarah was a power for good in the world. Her deep compassion was evident in her devotion to her sisters Abbey and Ella, the love her parents felt from her every single day, and the extra care she took in moments shared with her grandparents and cousins."
Farewell message for Sara Shulze
"Sarah was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, friend, teammate and Badger student-athlete," Wisconsin officials 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."
Morgan's Message, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the mental health of student athletes, wrote:
"Morgan's Message sends love to Sarah Schulze's family, the Wisconsin community and all the people who knew and loved her fiercely. We are equally saddened, heartbroken and frustrated to share a third tribute in just over a month to honor the life of another beautiful athlete who died by suicide. Enough is enough. Something has to change, and it has to change now. We've said it before and we'll say it again. The mental health crisis among student athletes is a pandemic in itself. One that we can positively impact through continued education, awareness and the support of our loved ones."
Foundation to be created in Sara's name
Shulze's relatives said they would soon announce a foundation "that will be established to continue to support the causes most important to Sarah."
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). For more information about mental health care resources and support, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email info@nami.org.
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