The sister-in-law of three-time Olympic gold medal-winning water polo star Maggie Steffens has died unexpectedly at the Paris Games.
Team USA coach Adam Krikorian revealed the passing of Lulu Conner, 26, after Steffens and Team USA defeated Greece in Saturday’s Olympic opener. Details about Conner’s death have not been revealed publicly and reports that she died from an embolism are unconfirmed.
She is the younger sister of Bobby Conner, who married Steffens in the fall of 2023.
‘It’s been a shock for everyone,’ Krikorian said Saturday, as quoted by the San Francisco Chronicle. ‘I don’t know the circumstances. But it’s a devastating time for Bobby and his family and for Maggie.’
Steffens was seen throwing flowers into the Seine from Team USA’s boat during the opening ceremony on Friday night. At the time, NBC’s broadcast noted that her husband’s family had lost a family member, although no further details were mentioned at the time.
US coach Adam Krikorian revealed the passing of Lulu Conner (pictured), 26, after Steffens and Team USA defeated Greece in Saturday’s Olympic opener
Maggie Steffens (pictured) recently married Conner’s brother, Bobby, in the fall of 2023
Lulu Conner (pictured) attended the University of California, Davis
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‘From what I know Lulu was full of energy, and so excited to be here and watch this team,’ Krikorian said. ‘We can honor her by playing with energy.
‘It’s not something you’re ever prepared for,’ Krikorian continued. ‘Maggie knows my pain and sorrow — I’ve shared that with her. The pain and shock are the things that stick out.’
Lulu attended the couple’s November wedding in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
‘Grateful to have had the most joyous week celebrating these two salsa-dancin’ lovebirds!!’ she wrote in an Instagram post following the ceremony. ‘Couldn’t ask for a better brother or a cooler new sister.’
Team USA defeated Greece 15-6 on Saturday.
In addition to the passing of Lulu, the team is also impacted by the ongoing cancer battle of Tokyo Games MVP Maddie Musselman’s husband, Pat Woepse.
‘This was my biggest goal, with everything being so unknown,’ Woepse told The Associated Press of attending the 2024 Paris Games following Saturday’s 16-5 win over Greece. ‘So pretty emotional, emotional day for me. Couldn’t be more thrilled to be here to support Maddie and the team.’