Rare Illness Robs College Athlete at 20

September 19, 2026

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Publication by EssentiallySports

September 19, 2026 | Edition #722

Hey Athletic Fans,

We have some devastating news to begin this edition of the newsletter: a college athlete has passed away at just 20 years old, following a difficult battle with a rare illness and two emergency surgeries. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and teammates during this incredibly difficult time.

In other news, Keely Hodgkinson has revealed an unusual finding from a recent medical test, one that, surprisingly, might actually work in her favor.

All that and more in tonight's edition of Essentially Athletics.

⚡Why this matters: The 20-year-old was a star for her collegiate side, becoming the first in her school’s history to reach 1000 career kills.

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▶️WATCH: This time last year, Gabby Thomas was withdrawing from Tokyo Worlds with an Achilles injury; a year on, she closed out Athlos London with a 200m win in 22.13.

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