The niece of the former New Zealand tennis player Chris Lewis passed away unexpectedly during a trip to Washington on Sept. 16, according to multiple reports.
Carolina Lewis passed away during her trip in Washington, on the morning of Sept. 16, according to the GoFundMe page that her sister, Jade Lewis created. The cause of Carolina Lewis’s death is not revealed.
According to New Zealand Herald, Chris Lewis described his niece’s passing as one of the most unexpected and cruelest moments in his life.
“Carolina, may your beautiful soul Rest In Peace forever, and may your wonderful and loving family find some peace on this earth now that you have left us,” Chris Lewis said. “Carolina, we all love you. Thank you for the special times we’ve shared, the wonderful and precious memories you’ve given us, and for the love, we all have in our hearts for you—a love that will hold true and strong for the rest of our lives. You will always be with us.”
In the GoFundMe Jade Lewis set up, she wrote that her sister had made an impact on people and their lives and that she was an exceptional woman with the ability to put a smile on everyone’s faces.
“Carolina was loved by so many and made an impact in everyone’s life. She was an exceptional daughter, sister, and friend,” Jade Lewis wrote. “She was the light to everyone’s day, and there was never a moment without smiles and laughter when we were with her. Everyone who knew her in her short 23 years of life will always cherish the memories we made with her.”
The 23-year-old had recently graduated from Kansas State University, and dreamed of becoming a sports journalist, Jade Lewis wrote. According to the GoFundMe page, Carolina Lewis also played tennis, like the rest of her family. Carolina Lewis played in both the West Virginia and Kansas State, and according to the Tennis Recruiting Network, she was a four-star recruit.
“Carolina graduated this past May from Kansas State University where she played tennis and excelled in academics. Carolina had dreams of being a sports journalist, and her near goals were to return to Europe and complete her masters. Carolina recently worked the U.S. Open, and her dream was to always work in New York City,” Jade Lewis wrote.
On the fundraising page, Jade Lewis wrote that the funds would go towards a memorial for Carolina Lewis.
“As we prepare to say our final goodbyes, we appreciate any assistance, prayers, and compassion,” she said.