U.S. Olympic champion mourning sudden death of family member, 26, who traveled to Paris

U.S. water polo star Maggie Steffens is mourning the sudden death of her sister-in-law, who had traveled to Paris for the Olympics.

Team USA got their campaign off to a winning start on Saturday by beating Greece and will next play Spain on Monday. But the camp has been rocked by the sudden passing of Steffens' family member.

The three-time gold medalist confirmed the news on Sunday that her husband Bobby's younger sister Lulu Conner had passed away at the age of 26 following a medical emergency, having made the trip to France to watch the water polo defend their Olympic crown.

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Steffens said "She was so excited for the Olympic Games. We’re really close. She’s the light of the world. She just brings so much joy to everyone. She always brings people together.

"My team has been a really big support system for me," she told the outlet of grappling with the shocking loss. I’ve been obviously really struggling, and my husband as well, and his entire family. I mean, it’s a nightmare, and it’s completely shocking.

"But I think just feeling her spirit here is, like I said, it’s amazing. And I hope that we can make her proud every single day."

It is unclear when Lulu passed away but team captain Steffens dud confirm that she dropped a bouquet of flowers into the Seine during Friday's opening ceremony.

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She did play in the victory over Greece and scored twice, with nine players contributing to the 15 goals scored. Coach Adam Krikorian vowed to honor Lulu in the rest of the competition. He said: "It’s been a shock for everyone. I don’t know the circumstances. But it’s a devastating time for Bobby and his family and for Maggie.”

Krikorian suffered his own family tragedy at the Olympics in Rio in 2016. His older brother died after suffering a heart attack days before the Games got underway. He flew back to the States to be with his family before returning to Brazil.

He said: “It’s not something you’re ever prepared for,” Krikorian said. “Maggie knows my pain and sorrow — I’ve shared that with her. The pain and shock are the things that stick out.”

Team USA has won gold at each of the last three Olympics in Toko, Rio and London, having last tasted defeat in the final in Beijing back in 2008.