Olympic Cyclist Kelly Catlin's Cause of Death Revealed As 'Asphyxia' By Suicide
Mar. 14 2019, Updated 2:42 p.m. ET
The Olympic cyclist Kelly Catlin who took her own life on Friday died of suffocation, RadarOnline.com exclusively learned.
An official at the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner's Office in California confirmed to RadarOnline.com that the 23-year-old's cause of death was "asphyxia" and the manner was "suicide."
Kelly was found unresponsive inside her residence at Stanford University on Friday, March 8. Shortly after, her family members took to social media to share the devastating news that she had taken her own life.
"My sister Kelly committed suicide last night," her brother Colin Catlin wrote on Friday on Facebook. "She's the one person I had shared almost my entire life with, and I shall miss her terribly. I'll post updates as needed."
RadarOnline.com learned that the young athlete had won gold medals in the women's team pursuit at the 2016, 2017, and 2018 UCI Track Cycling World Championships. She also won a silver medal at the Rio De Janiero Games in Brazil.
Kelly's father, Mark Catlin, also confirmed to Velo News that the Olympian took her own life.
"There isn't a minute that goes by that we don't think of her and think of the wonderful life she could have lived," he told the cycling magazine. "There isn't a second in which we wouldn't freely give our lives in exchange for hers. The hurt is unbelievable."
The avid track cyclist was pursuing a graduate degree in computational mathematics at Stanford University.
Following her passing, USA Cycling shared a statement to AP voicing their grief.
"The entire cycling community is mourning this immense loss. We are offering continuous support to Kelly's teammates, coaches and staff. We also encourage all those who knew Kelly to support each other through the grieving," said the organization's chief executive, Rob DeMartini.
Story developing.
If you or someone you know is in an emotional distress or suicidal, please call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
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