Volleyball player Pilar Marie Victoria Lopez found dead inside apartment in Turkey after she didn’t show up for training

VOLLEYBALL star Pilar Marie Victoria Lopez has been found dead inside her apartment in Turkey.

The 28-year-old’s body was discovered after she failed to show up for training.

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The former Texas volleyball player had been competing in the Sultans League in Turkey , reported Turkish news website Haberler.com .

Last night it shared a condolence message from Nilüfer Municipality Sports Club, a non-profit sports organization.

Her body was discovered on Thursday morning.

“We are deeply saddened to announce to the public the sudden and unexpected death of our new transfer, Pilar Marie Victoria Lopez, of our Nilüfer Belediyespor Women ‘s Volleyball Team,” the club said.

“Our athlete, who did not attend morning training, was found lying lifeless in her bed after the technical team reached her home.

“The sudden loss of Pilar Marie Victoria, who was an exemplary name with both her sportsmanship and character at a young age, has deeply shaken us all.

“We will always remember her contributions to our team and community in the short time we had the opportunity to work with her.

“We offer our condolences to her family, relatives and loved ones.”

The prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into her death.

The exact cause of the athlete’s death “will be determined after the forensic medical examination,” the sports club added.

She had been playing professionally with the team in Bursa, south of Istanbul.

Victoria, originally from Puerto Rico, was named team captain for the 2013 Puerto Rico Junior National Team that competed at the FIVB World Championship in the Czech Republic .

Victoria spent her first two collegiate seasons with Texas before transferring to Arkansas, reported the Austin American-Statesman .

She helped Texas reach two final fours in her two seasons as a Longhorn in 2013 and 2014, the paper said.

At Arkansas , she was an All-SEC outside hitter.

Between her time at college and joining the Turkish club this season, Victoria had played for Béziers in France .

Tributes have been shared on social media , where she was hailed as an “idol” for a young volleyball fan, Ellie, who had photos taken with the star.

“Sweet Pilar Marie Victoria Lopez! Ellie’s favorite volleyball player and idol!” said Malory, on Facebook.

“You left a huge impact on a little girl who now has the love for the game of volleyball because of you! We will always love you.”

“So, so sad. What an amazing competitor and sweet, kind smile. So very sorry,” wrote Margie.

“No words, just tears!” said Sheila.

“Heartbreaking to hear of Pilar’s passing,” wrote Donovan.