A star volleyball player at Stanford University died eight days after suffering from what has only been described as a ‘medical emergency’.
Samantha ‘Sam’ Wopat was rushed to hospital from her campus residence on St Patrick’s Day and remained in intensive-care until her death on Sunday.
The 19-year-old sophomore student-athlete had joined the Stanford team along with her twin sister Carly in 2010.
She died surrounded by family, friends and teammates.
Stanford women’s coach John Dunning, said in a TV interview: ‘I can’t imagine what they’re (the Wopat family) is going through. Her sister has been amazingly strong.’
The sudden death – the cause of which has not been disclosed – shook and stunned the Stanford campus.
‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sam Wopat,’ athletic director Bob Bowlsby told the San Francisco Chronicle.
She was an integral member of the Stanford athletics family and a tremendous student and athlete.
‘Stanford University and the women’s volleyball program have lost a wonderful young woman.’
