ESPN Documentary Chronicles Katie Meyer’s Life and Tragic Death

Los Angeles, California — A new documentary airing on ESPN reveals the life and tragic death of college athlete Katie Meyer, who died by suicide in 2022. Titled “Save – The Katie Meyer Story,” the film will air at 11 a.m. ET on Saturday and will later be available for streaming on ESPN+.

Directed by Jennifer Karson-Strauss, the documentary combines personal interviews, video footage, and information from a wrongful death lawsuit. Meyer was found dead in her Stanford University dorm room shortly after learning she faced possible expulsion over an incident involving a Stanford football player.

The film begins with stirring footage of Meyer, then a 22-year-old soccer team captain, sharing meaningful moments with her father Steve during her podcast, “Be The Mentality.” In one poignant exchange, Katie asks her father about life lessons, to which he responds, “Life is not easy, right?… if you just keep grinding and remain open-minded, it may actually be an opportunity to do something else.” Tragically, she died just weeks later.

Meyer’s parents, Steve and Julie, expressed that they were unaware of the disciplinary proceedings and believe that if they had known, she might still be alive today. “Katie’s death was a tragedy,” said Dee Mostofi, Stanford’s assistant vice president for external communications. “It was heartbreaking for her family, for everyone who knew her, and for our entire community.”

The documentary explores the family’s ongoing civil lawsuit against Stanford, filed in November 2022, which alleges that the disciplinary process was handled “negligently and recklessly.” The trial is set to begin in April 2026.

Stanford’s legal documents indicate that just days before her passing, Meyer had presented to teachers about her family relationships and discussed the pressures she faced. The court filings highlight her struggles with high expectations, particularly through her experiences in sports and academics.

In one part of the documentary, Meyer reflects on being cut from the U.S. national soccer team for under-17 players prior to a World Cup, revealing the emotional toll it took on her identity. Her father, Steve, reassured her during that difficult time: “Your mom’s still making you pancakes in the morning. I’m still giving you bad dad jokes.” This supportive family dynamic is a recurring theme throughout the film.

Julie Foudy, former Stanford soccer star and reporter for the documentary, emphasized the importance of telling Meyer’s story. “I knew it was a story that definitely people needed to hear,” she said, despite acknowledging the reluctance of Stanford to appear on camera.

During filming, Foudy faced challenges in addressing tough questions with Stanford officials, who opted to respond in writing instead of participating in interviews. The Meyer family has been actively campaigning for legislative changes, resulting in the passage of AB 1575, which ensures students facing disciplinary actions at public California colleges can have an adviser. However, since Stanford is a private institution, it is not required to follow this law.

The documentary also touches on accusations surrounding Jennifer Zimbroff, Stanford’s deputy general counsel, who the Meyers claim acted improperly during their daughter’s disciplinary hearings. Stanford has denied these claims, stating Zimbroff never acted as Meyer’s attorney.

As the documentary concludes, it raises awareness of the ongoing issues surrounding student mental health and the need for supportive systems at universities. It serves as a reminder of Katie Meyer’s impact and the importance of addressing mental health within academic environments.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting 741741. Help is available.