Maggie Steffen and her family are grappling with a profound loss following the death of her sister-in-law, Lulu Conner. Lulu passed away on July 23 while in Paris for the Olympic Games. She was only 26 years old. Maggie, who married Lulu’s brother Bobby Conner in November, has indicated that the cause of death is still under investigation but described it as a “medical emergency.”
Lulu was a beloved member of the family, known for her vibrant personality and the joy she brought to those around her. Maggie shared that Lulu was incredibly excited for the Olympics and had a knack for bringing people together. Despite the tragedy, Maggie has found solace in her participation in the Games, where she is competing for her fourth Gold medal and recently became the highest-scoring woman in Olympic history with her 58th goal.
In honor of Lulu, Maggie paid a heartfelt tribute by dropping a bouquet of flowers into the River Seine during the July 26 Opening Ceremony. Maggie expressed how challenging these times have been for her and her family, noting that her team has been a significant support system. She is determined to honor Lulu’s memory by embodying her spirit and dedication.
Maggie’s Olympic journey is being supported not only by her teammates but also by her head coach, Adam Krikorian. Krikorian, who experienced a similar loss with the death of his brother before the 2016 Rio Games, has been offering Maggie and her family compassion and understanding during this difficult period. He emphasizes the importance of giving Maggie the space to grieve while also supporting her.
The impact of Lulu’s death is deeply felt by Maggie and her family, but they are leaning on each other and their support networks to navigate through this challenging time. Maggie’s continued participation in the Olympics serves as both a tribute to Lulu and a way to channel her grief into something meaningful.
