A Team USA star’s 2024 Olympic journey has been hit with an unexpected tragedy after her sister-in-law passed away.
Maggie Steffens, who is the nation's water polo captain, is suffering a devastating loss after her husband's younger sister, Lulu Conner, died after traveling to Paris, France to cheer on the Olympian's team.
The three-time gold medalist confirmed the heartbreaking news to the Associated Press on July 28, sharing that the 26-year-old died following a "medical emergency".
While the details surrounding Lulu's death are unclear, the 31-year-old said she had been "so excited" to be watching the team at the sporting event.
Speaking to The Associated Press, Steffens revealed that she was "really close" to Lulu, describing her late sister-in-law as somebody who brought people together.
The athlete, who married her husband in November 2023, revealed that she honored her late sister-in-law by dropping a bouquet of flowers into the River Seine during the opening ceremony on Friday (July 26).
She also revealed that her teammates have provided her with "a really big support system" as she grapples with the shocking loss. "I’ve been obviously really struggling, and my husband as well, and his entire family," she said.
Describing the ordeal as a "nightmare", Steffens says the family is aiming to make Lulu "proud every single day".
Team USA coach Adam Krikorian also spoke about the devastating news, explaining that it had been "a shock for everyone".
"I don't know the circumstances. But it's a devastating time for Bobby and his family and for Maggie," he said, per the San Francisco Chronicle. "From what I know Lulu was full of energy, and so excited to be here and watch this team. We can honor her by playing with energy."
"It's not something you're ever prepared for. Maggie knows my pain and sorrow - I've shared that with her. The pain and shock are the things that stick out," he added.
Adam also lost his own brother shortly before the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro. He told the publication: “You know when it happens, it’s like all the emotions come pouring back to you...You might not feel these emotions that often, but then they just come rushing back.”
“You just show her love and support,” he shared. “You know it’s important that she’s there for Bobby and his family as well. This is a difficult time for them, and give her some freedom to be able to spend some time with them I think is enormously important.”
On Sunday (July, 28), rapper Flavor Flav - who has supporting the U.S. women's water polo team - shared a video of Steffen's husband giving him a special clock necklace that Lulu had made for him before her death.
The Hall of famer, who signed a five-year sponsorship deal as the official hype man for the U.S. women’s team - penned on X (formerly Twitter): "Imma be wearing a VERY SPECIAL second clock for the duration of the Olympics and more,,, MADE WITH LOVE BY ARTIST LULU CONNER."
Watch the video below:The team's rep told PEOPLE that Lulu made the clocks for every single member of women's water polo.
Our thoughts are with Lulu's family and loved ones at this time.