Stanford Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit with Katie Meyer's Family

University to launch mental health initiative and retire Meyer's jersey

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:07pm

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Stanford University has settled a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Katie Meyer, the star soccer player who died by suicide in 2022. As part of the settlement, Stanford will work with the Meyer family to launch a new initiative focused on the mental health and well-being of student-athletes, and will also establish the Katie Meyer Leadership Award and retire her jersey number.

Why it matters

The tragic death of Katie Meyer, a talented and accomplished student-athlete, sparked nationwide conversations about the mental health challenges faced by college students, particularly those involved in high-pressure sports programs. This settlement and the resulting initiatives aim to address these issues and honor Meyer's legacy.

The details

The lawsuit, filed in November 2022, alleged that Stanford 'negligently and recklessly' sent Meyer a formal disciplinary notice containing 'threatening language' on the night of her death. The university and Meyer's family have now announced a resolution to the lawsuit, though the details of any monetary settlement were not disclosed. As part of the agreement, Stanford and the Meyer family will work together to launch a new initiative focused on student-athlete mental health through the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance. The school will also establish the Katie Meyer Leadership Award and retire her No. 19 jersey to honor her accomplishments.

  • Katie Meyer died by suicide in 2022.
  • The wrongful death lawsuit was filed in November 2022.
  • The settlement and announcement of the new initiatives were made in January 2026.

The players

Katie Meyer

A former Stanford soccer player and team captain who died by suicide in 2022 at the age of 22.

Steve Meyer

Katie Meyer's father, who spoke out about her death soon after it occurred.

Stanford University

The university that was sued by the Meyer family and has now settled the lawsuit, agreeing to launch new mental health initiatives and honor Katie Meyer's legacy.

Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance

The organization that will partner with Stanford and the Meyer family on the new mental health initiative for student-athletes.

Gavin Newsom

The governor of California who signed 'Katie Meyer's Law' in 2024, which allows students in disciplinary proceedings at public colleges and universities to choose an adviser to help them navigate the process.

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What they’re saying

“When she died, the 22-year-old Meyer was distraught over the prospect of disciplinary action from the university for 'defending a teammate on campus over an incident,'”

— Steve Meyer, Katie Meyer's father (NBC's 'Today')

What’s next

More details on the Katie Meyer Leadership Award and the new mental health initiative for student-athletes are expected to be released by Stanford and the Meyer family at a later date.

The takeaway

This settlement and the resulting initiatives represent an important step forward in addressing the mental health challenges faced by student-athletes, particularly in high-pressure programs like Stanford's. By honoring Katie Meyer's legacy and working to support future generations of student-athletes, the university and the Meyer family hope to prevent similar tragedies and foster a healthier, more supportive environment for all.