Michigan State Athletics announced that women’s rowing captain Olivia Long died on Aug. 27. Long was 20 years old from Lake Orion, Michigan.
"We have lost a young, promising life way too early," Rowing Head Coach Kim Chavers said. "Olivia was an excellent teammate who was invested in those around her and our program. As a captain, she connected with a lot of different people, and on a team as large as ours, team building is especially important. Our rowing family will miss her tremendously and will find a way to honor her legacy as we lean on one another to process our loss. We send our love and prayers to her family and all who loved her, as this loss is hard to comprehend."
Long joined the Spartans rowing team in 2019-20. She earned Academic All-Big Ten honors her sophomore year and was voted as a team captain coming into her junior season.
"Our prayers go out to Olivia Long's family and friends," Michigan State Athletic Director Bill Beekman said. "Olivia loved being a Spartan and, as a leader, developed incredible connections with so many of her teammates. To lose her so soon seems especially cruel. We will provide support and resources to assist members of the rowing program and athletic department staff as they grieve."
Michigan State University has not confirmed the cause of death.
Support student media!
Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
Discussion
Share and discuss “MSU Rowing captain Olivia Long died on Friday” on social media.
