Football star, 20, found dead at home as tributes pour in for ‘amazing’ player who ‘had a bright future’
A STAR football player at New Mexico State University was found dead in her home shortly after turning 20.
Thalia Chaverria was a junior at the university when she was found in her Bakersfield, California home on Monday.
The Las Cruces Police Department have said the death is not thought to be suspicious at this time.
Tributes have poured in for the gifted young woman.
Mario Moccia, the director of athletics at NMS, said: “Yesterday, we lost an amazing young woman, and we are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of a member of our Aggie family.
“Thalia had a vibrant personality and those who were fortunate enough to spend time with her knew she had a bright future ahead of her.”
Thalia helped the football team earn its first conference title in history, friends said.
She starred in 20 games and was entering her third season as a defender for the Aggies.
Head coach Rob Baarts said: “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!”