The family released a statement through Saager‑Beckley’s husband, John Beckley, who serves as Tulsa’s outside linebackers coach. He described his wife as a “beautiful, loving and unforgettable soul” whose laughter and kindness touched many, and asked friends to honor their memory with donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Bee Foundation, which supports brain‑aneurysm awareness and research.
Tulsa County Medical Examiner’s Office said a definitive cause of death will not be known for roughly three to six months while all tests are completed, and a formal report will be issued after that period.
Tulsa head football coach Tre Lamb confirmed that Saager‑Beckley was working out when she became unresponsive ten minutes later, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Saager‑Beckley, a Long Island native, scored 22 goals in two seasons (2017‑18) at Binghamton University, played professionally in the Czech Republic, and spent four years as an assistant coach at Troy University, where she earned a master’s degree in health and physical education.
She had recently moved to Tulsa with her husband after marrying in June and was transitioning into a college‑soccer scouting and recruiting role.