The New Mexico State University (NMSU) community is stunned and grief-stricken following the unexpected passing of junior student and athlete Thalia Chaverria. At the age of 20, Chaverria was just beginning her third season playing on the Aggies women’s soccer team as a defender.
On Monday morning, shortly after 7 am, Las Cruces Police responded to her residence on El Dorado Court and find her unresponsive, and she was declared dead on arrival. According to police, an investigation will be conducted, but Chaverria’s death did not suspect foul play. In a statement police stated, “Investigators have no reason to believe Chaverria’s death is suspicious or the result of criminial activity. However, LCPD and OMI are continuing their investiation and hope to learn the cause of her death.”
“We lost an amazing young woman, and we are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of a member of our Aggie family,” said Mario Moccia, Director of Athletics. “Thalia had a vibrant personality, and those who were fortunate enough to spend time with her knew she had a bright future ahead of her.”
Moccia highlighted how close the NMSU community was, saying this tragedy has left them feeling the effects of such a great loss. Chaverria was an integral part of the team, helping her teammates win the first conference championship in the school’s history after three shutout victories in the WAC Tournament her sophomore year.
Friends of Chaverria’s family have started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for her parents to transport her body from New Mexico to her hometown of Bakersfield, California. Those in charge of the fundraiser praised her memory, sharing, “She was a sister to her two brothers, a daughter, and a loving dog mom to her fur babies. She was loved by many. Her long beautiful curly hair and smile will forever be embedded in our memories.”
The sudden passing of Thalia Chaverria has shocked the NMSU community and has left her inspiring legacy lingering in their hearts.