Olympic Cyclist Kelly Catlin, 23, Found Dead Of Apparent Suicide
Mar. 14 2019, Updated 2:42 p.m. ET
USA Cycling is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved members. Olympic track cyclist Kelly Catlin has died of an apparent suicide at age 23.
The Associated Press was the first to report the news, stating that the Minnesota native was found unresponsive inside her California home this Friday, March 8.
"The news of Kelly Catlin's passing has hit the team hard. Losing an incredible person at such a young age is very difficult," Rally Pro Cycling, Catlin's team, said in a statement following her death. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and those who were fortunate enough to know her best."
As RadarOnline.com has learned, the young athlete 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 2016 Rio De Janeiro Games.
Catlin's heartbroken father, Mark Catlin, confirmed to Velo News that the Olympian died by suicide.
"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."
Apart from thriving as a professional cyclist, Catlin 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.
R.I.P. Kelly Catlin.
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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