Samantha Wopat Dies_Stanford University is reeling from the sudden death of Samantha Wopat, a sophomore student and member of the school's volleyball team who died this weekend, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Wopat, 19, was admitted to Stanford Hospital on March 17 after having a medical emergency at her residence, according to an announcement by the university. She remained in intensive care for eight days before passing away on Sunday surrounded by friends, family and teammates.

The cause of her death was not released.

Wopat was an outside hitter on Stanford's Division 1 volleyball team, where she played alongside twin sister Carly, according to her profile on Stanford's women's volleyball site. During her high school years at Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta in Santa Barbara County, she was a nationally ranked athlete who played on three junior Olympic volleyball teams, including a youth national team that competed for a world championship in Thailand, and also won numerous track and field championships.

Wopat had yet to declare a major at Stanford, but told reporters at the Stanford Daily that she planned to major in English with a focus in creative writing, and was "dabbling in a variety of courses from Hawaiian language to poetry."

Bob Bowlsby, the Jaquish & Kenninger Director of Athletics at Stanford, issued a statement Monday about Wopat's passing.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sam Wopat," Bowlsby said. "On behalf of our administration, coaches and students I extend my condolences to Sam's siblings, parents, relatives and friends. Stanford University and the Women's Volleyball program have lost a wonderful young woman."
Memorial services details for Wopat are forthcoming.

source: huffingtonpost