A Wheaton native who played college volleyball at St. Louis University was shot to death Saturday afternoon while in the city for a Billikens volleyball reunion game at the University, reports the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Megan Boken, 23, was originally from Wheaton, where she was an All-State volleyball player at Wheaton St. Francis High School and a member of the Spartans' 2004 and 2006 state championship teams.
"Megan was a vibrant young woman and a wonderful representative of Saint Louis University and Billiken athletics," director of athletics Chris May said in a statement. "In addition to being a great student, she was an outstanding athlete and an important part of our championship volleyball teams.
Police reports say Boken was shot and killed in her car while stopped at an intersection in St. Louis. She was shot in the neck and chest and later pronounced dead at Barnes Jewish Hospital.
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Witnesses say they saw a man arguing with Boken, then firing shots into the car. It's not clear yet if Boken knew her attacker. St. Louis police are reviewing street surveillance video hoping to find a lead on the gunman, reports the Post-Dispatch.
Boken graduated from SLU in 2011 with a degree in business and had moved back to the Chicago area.
Her family released a statement saying, "Megan was a wonderful and beautiful human being, loved by everyone she met. The family and community are devastated by this senseless tragedy and the family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support. The initial reports that Megan knew her attacker are no longer believed to be true. The family asks that you keep Megan and them in your thoughts and prayers, and respect their privacy at this time.”
Gold medalist Misty May-Treanor sent her condolences on Facebook.
"My heart and prayers go out to one of my favorite families ever The Boken's," May-Treanor wrote. "I am sorry for your loss. Please know that I am thinking of you all during this difficult time. Megan may you rest in peace. Love you all!"
Boken's sister responded, saying, "this made my day. i'm megan's sister, and we spent some of our last time together watching you play in the olympics. thanks for the support!"
Gold medalist Misty May-Treanor sent her condolences on Facebook.
"My heart and prayers go out to one of my favorite families ever The Boken's," May-Treanor wrote. "I am sorry for your loss. Please know that I am thinking of you all during this difficult time. Megan may you rest in peace. Love you all!"
Boken's sister responded, saying, "this made my day. i'm megan's sister, and we spent some of our last time together watching you play in the olympics. thanks for the support!"
