What happened to Maggie Steffens' sister-in-law? All about why the American dropped flowers for her in river during Paris Olympics opening ceremony

By Soumik Bhattacharya

Modified Jul 29, 2024 14:30 GMT

A very unique episode unfolded during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics as the United States Water Polo captain, Maggie Steffens threw flowers into the River Seine in the loving memory of her sister-in-law, Lulu Conner. Conner, 26, passed on Tuesday, July 23, few days before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

Conner had come to Paris to cheer for Steffens and support her as she competed in the fourth Olympic Games of her career. However, the 26-year-old faced sudden demise with the cause of her death unclear. Steffens has also not revealed the reason for her sister-in-law's demise. She called the entire situation a case of a medical emergency.

In a recent conversation with the Associated Press, Steffens elaborated on the sudden death of her sister-in-law, saying:

"She was so excited for the Olympic Games. We’re really close. She’s the light of the world. She just brings so much joy to everyone. She always brings people together.”

She further said:

"I’m like so out of body in a way right now. And I just keep trying to remind myself what Lulu would want and how she would be, you know, how can I embody her spirit the best. And Lulu was somebody that she gave 150% to everything she did.”

Playing with the burden of the death of her sister-in-law, Maggie Steffens featured in the US's first match of the competition against Greece during the first day of Paris Olympics 2024. She chipped in with two goals as the United States women's water polo team defeated Greece by a margin of 15-6.

What's the upcoming schedule for Maggie Steffens in the Paris Olympics 2024?

Maggie Steffens during a match against Italyn in San Antonio (Image via: Getty Images)

For Maggie Steffens, the next few days will be very important with some big matches ahead for the United States Women's Polo Team. She will next feature in the match against Italy on the fifth day of the Paris Olympics on Wednesday, July 31.

Following the match against Italy, the three-time Olympic gold medalist will be seen captaining her team on August 2 during the match against France.

The 31-year-old Steffens is on a quest for fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal of her career.