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Walsh University, St. Vincent St. Mary react to death of Taylor Ceepo after collapsing during Cleveland Marathon

The 22-year-old collapsed near the finish line on Sunday.

Walsh University has released a statement following the tragic death of 22-year-old Taylor Ceepo, who collapsed and died during Sunday's Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon.

Ceepo, who recently graduated from Walsh University, was a biology major with minors in both psychology and chemistry. The Medina native also played on the women's soccer team. 

"It is my sad duty to inform you that a beloved member of our Walsh family, Ms. Taylor Ceepo, collapsed today while running the Cleveland marathon and has passed away," wrote Amy Malaska, Vice President for Student Affairs in an email to students and staff. "Her mother, dear friends and her boyfriend (also a Walsh student) were with her.  Our love and deepest sympathies go to her family and loved ones. Your Walsh family will keep you all in prayer."

Malaska adds that residence life staff will be made available to students who may need support. 

Students, faculty, and staff were invited to attend mass on Sunday evening. A campus-wide memorial is being planned for a later date.  

Before she arrived at Walsh University, Ceepo attended St. Vincent St. Mary High School in Akron. The school posted the following on its Facebook page on Sunday evening: 

Ceepo's success on the soccer fields for the Irish enabled her to sign a letter of intent to Walsh in 2015. None other than fellow St. V. graduate LeBron James liked this Facebook post.

The Irish soccer team sent out the following tweet on Sunday.

Ceepo was also a member of Internationals Soccer Club from the age of 8 to 18. Keri Sarver is the club's director of coaching. She has known Ceepo from the very beginning and says her loss is a "shock". 

"Her demeanor was so lovable and welcoming," Sarver said. "We're still processing it."

Sarver says Sunday's marathon was Ceepo's first. She says the 22-year-old never backed down from a challenge. 

"I just can't believe it. She was a young, beautiful, healthy and athletic young woman," Sarver said. "She was so proud of the accomplishment of getting ready for this marathon." 

Sarver adds that Ceepo will truly be missed.

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