NEED TO KNOW
A sophomore soccer player at Rice University has died at age 19, the school said in a statement on Dec. 8Claire Tracy reportedly died on Dec. 7, according to the university’s Dean Bridget K. Gorman, but a cause of death was not made known”She was deeply connected to many students and known for her Rice spirit,” University President Reggie DesRoches said
Claire Tracy, a sophomore who played soccer at Rice University, died on Sunday, Dec. 7. She was 19.
Rice University’s Dean of Undergraduates Bridget K. Gorman announced the news in a statement on Dec. 8. “It is with deep sadness that I am writing to tell you that Claire Tracy, a second-year undergraduate student, passed away on Sunday,” Gorman said.
“Claire was a finance major and had close friends and a bright spirit,” the dean continued. “Our hearts go out to Claire’s family and all who knew her and are grieving her loss.”
A cause of death was not made known.
Claire Tracy via Instagram.
Brookfield Academy WI/Instagram
In a separate statement on Rice University’s Instagram, head coach of women’s soccer Brian Lee said, “The entire Rice soccer community mourns the loss of Claire Tracy.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go to Claire’s friends and family and to the many current and former teammates, whose lives were impacted by Claire’s kindness. She will forever be in our hearts.”
According to the Rice Thresher, the university’s student newspaper, President Reggie DesRoches began his annual State of the University address on Dec. 8 with a moment of silence for Tracy. “She was deeply connected to many students and known for her Rice spirit,” he said during the address.
One user wrote, “such a beautiful soul, forever loved Claire❤️🩹,” in reply to the university’s announcement.
Tracy signed her commitment letter to play Division 1 soccer at Rice in Nov. 2023. Her high school, Brookfield Academy, shared a photo of Tracy and her family from the signing, writing at the time, “Congratulations to Claire Tracy who signed her national letter of intent to play soccer at Rice University. Way to go!”
Claire Tracy via Instagram.
SC Wave/Instagram
Before attending Rice, Tracy developed an interest in science, her high school shared. In a post from May 16 of this year, she spoke about a “great experience” she had doing a lab internship.
She said, “The internship also allowed me to practice and understand the chemistry concepts I learned in class when organizing chemicals. Overall, it was a great experience, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in science!”
According to her LinkedIn profile, Tracy was a member of Rice Women in Business, the Social Impact Committee and the Rice Eclipse Finance Board.