In a heart-wrenching tale that has gripped the sports community, the tragic story of Katie Meyer, a former Stanford soccer star, continues to unfold as her family publicly addresses the pain caused by the university's response to her untimely death. Meyer, who was the captain and goalkeeper for the Stanford Cardinal, took her own life in March 2022, just hours after learning she could face expulsion for an incident involving a spilled cup of hot coffee on a Stanford football player.
The new ESPN documentary titled "Save: The Katie Meyer Story" is set to air at 11 a.m. ET on May 10, 2025, and seeks to shed light on both the vibrant life of Meyer and the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding her death. The documentary features poignant interviews with her family, who are now embroiled in a wrongful death lawsuit against Stanford, accusing the institution of systematic failures and negligence in handling Meyer’s disciplinary case.
According to the documentary, Meyer was informed on February 28, 2022, that her degree was being put on hold due to the university's investigation into the coffee spill incident. The football player involved had been accused of making an unwanted sexual advance towards one of Meyer's teammates, but he did not wish to pursue formal charges against her. Despite this, Stanford proceeded with an investigation that left Meyer feeling overwhelmed and anxious about her future.
"I miss her every second of every day," said her father, Steven Meyer, in the documentary. He reflects on the pain of losing his daughter and the additional hurt caused by Stanford's actions. The lawsuit filed by the Meyers claims that the university acted recklessly, failing to recognize the mental health struggles Katie was facing as a result of the disciplinary process.
In the lead-up to her death, Katie Meyer had been meeting with sports psychologists and reportedly expressed feelings of increased depression and suicidal ideation. Her mother, Gina, revealed that they had no knowledge of their daughter's struggles with the university, stating, "It just breaks my heart that we didn't know. It breaks my heart. It will always be broken..." This sentiment resonates deeply with many who have followed the story.
The day before her death, Meyer had been in good spirits, speaking with her family about spring break plans. However, the weight of the impending disciplinary action took a devastating toll. "She seemed great," her father recalls. The following morning, tragedy struck when she was found dead in her dorm room.
The family's lawsuit highlights the emotional turmoil Meyer experienced, asserting that the university's actions contributed to her feelings of despair. Stanford, in its defense, has claimed that her suicide was an "extraordinary response" to the situation, arguing that they had no reason to foresee her actions. However, the Meyers' attorney insists that the university had been aware of the potential harm their processes could cause.
As the documentary unfolds, it captures the essence of Katie Meyer—a talented athlete who had achieved great success on the field, including a national championship win in 2019 where she was named MVP. Meyer was not just a star athlete; she was also a dedicated student who had committed to Stanford at the young age of 15, pursuing her passions in both academics and sports.
Her journey through soccer began in Burbank, California, where she played for various youth clubs, eventually earning a spot on the U.S. youth national team. At Stanford, she quickly made her mark, leading her team to a stunning 24-1 record during her freshman year and securing the national title. Meyer was known for her clutch performances and leadership on the field, becoming captain in her sophomore and junior years.
However, the pressures of being a student-athlete at such a prestigious institution weighed heavily on her. The incident that led to her tragic end stemmed from a momentary accident that spiraled into a life-altering situation. The university’s decision to hold her diploma and threaten expulsion left her feeling trapped and hopeless.
In the aftermath of her death, the Meyer family established a foundation called Katie's Save, aimed at promoting mental health awareness and advocating for systemic changes in college policies surrounding student welfare. Their efforts culminated in the passage of Katie Meyer’s Law, which mandates that California public universities provide students facing disciplinary actions with access to an advisor for support. However, as a private institution, Stanford is not required to adopt this law.
As the trial for the wrongful death lawsuit approaches in April 2026, the family continues to seek justice for their daughter. They hope that sharing Katie's story will bring about meaningful change and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
In a statement, a Stanford official expressed sympathy for the loss, stating, "Katie’s death was a tragedy. It was heartbreaking for her family, for everyone who knew her, and for our entire community." The university has maintained its commitment to addressing the litigation while offering support to those affected by the loss.
As the documentary prepares to air, it promises to provide an in-depth look at Katie Meyer’s life, her struggles, and the impact of her death on her family and the broader community. It serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for institutions to prioritize the well-being of their students.
For those who may be struggling, resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available for support.
