Colorado University Lacrosse Player Dies in Car Crash

Colorado University Lacrosse Player Dies in Car Crash
(ChiccoDodiFC/Shutterstock)
Jane Werrell
1/16/2018
Updated:
1/16/2018

A player on the University of Colorado lacrosse team was killed in a car crash over the weekend.

Julia Sarcona, 21, died when her car swerved off the road and into a tree on Colorado Highway 119, west of Boulder on Saturday, Jan. 13, according to a statement released by Colorado University.
Sarcona was the only person in the car and was pronounced dead on the scene, the Boulder County News reported. While alcohol and drugs are not suspected, she may have been speeding at the time of the crash. The Colorado State Patrol said that she was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, local television network KUSA reported.

Now, the community is mourning the loss of a star athlete who has been described by coach Ann Elliot as “funny and caring” with “an incredible heart.”

“She could always make you laugh and smile, she was an integral part of this program and has impacted each of our lives in so many ways,” Elliot said. “There really aren’t words and there is no answer for how one deals with such a loss.”

She added, “As a team, we will go one step at a time as we try to find our way together and make sure everyone has all the resources and support they need. Again, our love and thoughts go out to Julia’s family. Her impact on our program and lives will never be forgotten.”

Sarcona majored in public relations and was on track to graduate this spring.

A vigil in tribute to the student was held in Northport, Long Island on Monday, Jan. 15, where friends wrote down memories of Sarcona in celebration of her life, to be sent to her family.
“I'll never be the same without her,” Ali Pavinelli, Sarcona’s neighbor and best friend told News 12. “She meant that much to me.”
Location of Colorado Highway 119, west of Boulder. (Screenshot via Google Maps)
Location of Colorado Highway 119, west of Boulder. (Screenshot via Google Maps)

Born in Huntington, New York, on Long Island she is survived by her parents, Joseph and Alessandra, her brother Matthew, and sister Nina.

“On behalf of all of us in the CU Athletic Department we are heartbroken at the loss of Julia,” Colorado University Athletic Director Rick George said in a statement released by the university.

“Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the Sarcona family, Julia’s friends and teammates. This is a very difficult loss for the Buff family and we are extremely saddened. Please keep Julia’s family in your thoughts and prayers.”

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