American water polo star Maggie Steffens' sister-in-law dies before Paris Olympics

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American water polo star Maggie Steffens and her family were dealt a serious blow days before the Paris Olympics got underway as her sister-in-law died.

Lulu Conner, 26, died Tuesday after traveling to Paris to cheer on Steffens and the rest of the women’s water polo team. Steffens is looking for a fourth consecutive gold medal.

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Maggie Steffens during a preliminary match against Greece at the Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

The family described the situation that led to Conner’s death as a "medical emergency."

"She was so excited for the Olympic Games," Steffens told The Associated Press. "We're really close. She's the light of the world. She just brings so much joy to everyone. She always brings people together."

Steffens added that playing in games is a helpful distraction from the grief . She had two goals in Team USA’s win over Greece on Saturday. 

"It definitely helps to play," Steffens said. "I’m like so out of body in a way right now. And I just keep trying to remind myself what Lulu would want and how she would be, you know, how can I embody her spirit the best. And Lulu was somebody that, she gave 150% to everything she did."

Maggie Steffens scores a goal against Spain at the Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

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Steffens, the highest-scoring woman in Olympic history, married 31-year-old Bobby Conner in Puerto Rico in November. 

NBC noted during coverage of the opening