By Joshua Lynch

The #UniversityofWisconsin campus is mourning the death of a beloved track and cross country star.

#SarahShulze, 21, died by #suicide on April 13, her family announced.

“Balancing #athletics, academics and the demands of every day life overwhelmed her in a single, desperate moment,” Shulze’s family said. “Like you, we are shocked and #grief stricken while holding on tightly to all that Sarah was.”

The California-born runner was a junior and member of the cross country, indoor track and outdoor track teams at the #UniversityofWisconsin.

Wisconsin officials released a statement Friday regarding the beloved #student, who was described as a gentle soul and decorated #student-athlete.

#UniversityofWisconsin #athlete #SarahShulze, 21, took her own life on April 13, 2022.

“The Wisconsin Athletics community is heartbroken by the unexpected passing of #SarahShulze,” the university said. “We extend our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to Sarah’s family, friends and Badger teammates during this extraordinarily difficult time.”

Shulze’s death was followed by outpourings of grief on #socialmedia.

Olympic runner Georgia Ellenwood, a former Wisconsin track star, expressed her condolences in a comment under the school’s Instagram post.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

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Georgia Ellenwood, a former Wisconsin track runner, expressed her condolences in a comment under the school’s #Instagram post.

She earned academic all-Big Ten honors in 2020 and 2021 for cross country and in 2021 while running at Wisconsin.

#SarahShulze earned academic all-Big Ten honors in 2020 and 2021 for cross country and in 2021 while running at Wisconsin.

#SarahShulze was a member of the cross country, indoor track and outdoor track team at the #UniversityofWisconsin.

A 2019 graduate of Oak Park High, Shulze was a star distance runner at her high school. She was named Ventura County Athlete of the Year and earned a scholarship to Wisconsin in 2018.

Shulze’s family launched the Sarah Shulze Foundation to advance and support women’s rights, #studentathletes and #mentalhealth.

#SarahShulze was a star distance runner at her #highschool and was named Ventura County Athlete of the Year in 2018.

Shulze’s family launched the #SarahShulze Foundation “to advance and support Women’s Rights, #StudentAthletes and #MentalHealth.”

Funeral services at both #UniversityofWisconsin Madison and in California were announced. The UW Madison service will be held at campus on April 24 from 5-8 p.m.

The California service will be held at Calvary Community Church on May 2 at 3 pm.

Shulze is survived by her #parents, Brigitte and Scott, and her sisters Abbey and Ella.

#SarahShulze is survived by her #parents, Brigitte and Scott, and her sisters Abbey and Ella.

If you are struggling with #suicidalthoughts or are experiencing a #mentalhealthcrisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 #NationalSuicidePreventionhotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
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