Kayla Saager-Beckley, a former college soccer star and the wife of Tulsa football coach John Beckley, has died at the age of 30. She was pregnant with the couple's first child at the time of her death.
Tulsa head coach Tre Lamb announced the news on Monday, sharing that Saager-Beckley died around 7 a.m. last Wednesday. "She was working out, 10 minutes later she was found unresponsive," Lamb stated at a press conference.
"It's just been a really hard week for him [Beckley], for us as a staff, our coach's wives," Lamb added. "She was 30 years old. She was pregnant with their daughter, Sawyer. It's been tough on our staff. We had a memorial for her last night. We just ask that you please pray for the Saager family, the Beckley family. We're going to honor her with a helmet sticker this week at our game, and she's definitely in our thoughts and prayers."
Saager-Beckley was a standout soccer player at Binghamton University. The university's soccer program released a statement mourning her passing. "Kayla was a dangerous and dynamic forward with a true gift for finding the back of the net, and her contributions helped elevate the competitiveness and stature of our program," said head soccer coach Neel Bhattacherjee. "To this day we stand on her shoulders. Beyond the field, she was known for her big heart and her deep love of family. We are devastated by this loss and send our heartfelt sympathy and support to her parents Ron and Noranne and her husband John. Kayla, you are forever and always a Bearcat. May you rest in peace."
Saager-Beckley and John Beckley were married in June. The couple was preparing to welcome their daughter, Sawyer, when Saager-Beckley died.
No cause of death has been publicly released.