Texas Longhorns volleyball player Pilar Victoria found dead in Turkey

Former Texas Longhorns volleyball player Pilar Marie Victoria Lopez, 28, was found dead in her apartment in Bursa, Turkey, on Thursday, according to multiple media reports. 

Lopez, who played for the Texas Longhorns during the 2013 and 2014 seasons, was currently playing professionally for Nilüfer Belediyespor.

Her body was discovered after she failed to attend a team training session, raising concern among her teammates and club officials. When repeated attempts to contact her went unanswered, officials visited her apartment in Besevler Mahallesi. They entered with the help of a locksmith and found Lopez unresponsive in her bed. Medical personnel confirmed her death at the scene.

Nilüfer Belediyespor’s Club Manager Kenan Dastan, who was present during the discovery, expressed the team's sorrow: “We found her lifeless in her bed. It’s a devastating loss for all of us.”

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of death, though initial reports indicate no signs of foul play. The Bursa Public Prosecutor’s Office is awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the exact cause.

Lopez, originally from Puerto Rico, had a notable career, playing for the Puerto Rican national team and various professional leagues across Europe. She had recently transferred to Nilüfer Belediyespor from Béziers Volley in France.

Just 24 hours before her death, Lopez posted an Instagram story featuring a picture with a teammate and a caption about volleyball. 

In an official statement, Nilüfer Belediyespor mourned her sudden passing, saying, “Her contributions to our team, both as a player and as a person, will never be forgotten. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones.”