Thalia Chaverria, New Mexico State Soccer Star, Found Dead In Her Home Days After 20th Birthday

The New Mexico State community is mourning the loss of soccer star Thalia Chaverria.

University officials confirmed Chaverria’s death with a heartbreaking statement on its website this week, revealing that the promising athlete died “suddenly” on Monday morning. She had turned 20 years old just days earlier on July 2.

Head soccer coach Rob Baarts reflected on the student’s legacy and her contribution to her sport, sharing in a moving statement that he shares his grief with all of her teammates.

“The sudden loss of Thalia has completely rocked our Aggie soccer families’ world. T was an inspiration and rock to this team. She will be missed but not forgotten. Her spirit will be with us everyday, on and off the pitch. I will always love you T!” the statement read.

Chaverria was a junior at NM State and going into her third season with the soccer team.

Las Cruces police confirmed in a press release that she was found unresponsive in her home and no foul play is suspected, but authorities will continue their investigation to determine a cause of death.

NM State Director of Athletics Mario Mocca honored Chaverria’s memory with an additional statement on the school’s website, praising her as an “amazing young woman” with a “vibrant personality.”

“The New Mexico State community is very tight-knit, and this tragedy is felt throughout. Our most sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Thalia’s family and friends in this time of mourning,” he added.

Loved ones arranged a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses and as of Tuesday the page has raised nearly twice its goal.

— Erin Biglow