As athletes from around the world are pouring in at the French capital, it’s one goal that’s fueling them: to win an Olympic gold. With that in mind, the attending participants are using every resource in their reach to push themselves to the top of the podium. Along with the athletes’ pursuit, the families of the stars are also providing them with all the support they can. However, three-time Olympic gold medalist and water polo icon Maggie Steffens, and her family weren’t prepared for the tragedy that would befall them in the City of Love.

From Simone Biles and to Aaron Brooks: families of the 2024 Olympians are all slowly making their way to Paris to show their support. But for Steffens, it now looks like some of her close ones were better off at home.

Unexpected tragedy for Maggie Steffens at the Paris Olympics 2024

Lulu Conner, Maggie’s husband Bobby’s sister, died after traveling to Paris. With Steffens looking to add yet another Olympic honor to her medal cabinet, it was supposed to be a grand affair for the entire family. However, upon arriving in the city, Lulu suddenly met with an untimely demise on Tuesday, just days before the start of the Paris Games.

However, the cause of the death was not made public by the family and was instead announced that a “medical emergency” was the reason behind Lulu’s death. Team USA’s women’s water polo coach Adam Krikorian also confirmed the tragic incident in an interview with AP News. “I don’t know the circumstances. But it’s a devastating time for Bobby and his family and for Maggie,” said the coach to AP.

Understandably, Maggie is also devastated by the death of her sister-in-law. “It’s going to be a really hard couple weeks for all of us,” Steffens said to AP, while also thanking her teammates for their relentless support. The tragic passing comes only days after Maggie and Bobby tied the knot in Puerto Rico, making it all the more heartbreaking.

Who is Lulu Conner

Lulu was a former athlete at San Rafael High and attended UC Davis. Along with being an athlete, she was also an artist who came up with the clock necklaces for the women’s water polo team. An extra piece was also made for rapper Flava Flav, who took to social media to express his excitement to receive the gift. “Imma be wearing a VERY SPECIAL second clock for the duration of the Olympics and more,,,MADE WITH LOVE BY ARTIST LULU CONNER,” wrote Flava on X.

“We’re really close. She’s the light of the world. She just brings so much joy to everyone. She always brings people together,” the water polo celebrity stated. The 26-year-old Lulu will now provide Maggie with the motivation to rummage through and bring glory to the country as a tribute to her sister-in-law.

Coach Krikorian also went through a similar tragedy

While the death of Lulu is causing Steffens to feel the burden, Coach Krikorian isn’t new to such unexpected tragedies. Just days before the 2016 Rio Olympics, Adam lost his brother, making him fully aware of how such a thing can affect the general mindset of an athlete. Adam had to fly to the US from Rio and back again just days before the Games and executed his responsibilities with a heavy heart.

“You know it’s important that she’s there for Bobby and his family as well. This is a difficult time for them, and give her some freedom to be able to spend some time with them I think is enormously important,” said Krikorian.

Tribute and public response

During the Opening Ceremony on Friday, Steffens threw flowers in the Seine as a tribute to the late family member from Team USA’s boat. While she is in mourning, it seems like her teammates are also doing everything they can to ensure her mental well-being so she can bring out her best for the task at hand.

Did you know Lulu? Share your message for the UC Davis alum in the comments below.