Olivia Podmore, Eric Murray.Photo: getty; Eric Murray/instagram
Murray, 39, called Podmore’s death a “shock and a tragedy” while speaking with reporters on behalf of her family on Tuesday, theNew Zealand Heraldreported.
Murray said that he was with Podmore, 24, just hours before her death. Her official cause of death has not yet been released but Murray said he wished the sports star had opened up about her struggles.
“I was with her this time yesterday and I wish she had said something,” he said. “If you had seen Olivia in the last 72 hours, you wouldn’t have thought what’s happened [would happen].”
Olivia Podmore.Dianne Manson/Getty
“We’ve lost a sister, a friend, and a fighter who lost that will of fight inside of her,” he continued, adding that her death “reverberates” throughout the entire New Zealand sporting community.
On Monday, Podmore’s brotherannounced her death on social media.
“Rest in peace to my gorgeous sister and loved daughter of Phil Podmore,” he wrote. “Forever in our hearts. love you more than anything.”
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The committee added that it is “providing wellbeing support for members of her team and the wider team as we return home from Tokyo.”
Shortly before her death, Podmore had shared an Instagram post addressing pressures and struggles athletes face.
Murrayshared an Instagram poston Monday that included information for New Zealnad’s Lifeline helpline.
“Today I lost a friend… We saw her drive away and were the last to see her alive… I didn’t see the signs because they are not visible from the outside… please seek help! talk to me!” the athlete wrote in the caption. “DM me if this feels like you reading this post… ANYONE!.. YES, that means YOU 👈🏼There are soooo many people that love you and there is help! 💔”
If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
source: people.com
