What happened to Colleen Lischwe? Over $39,000 raised on GoFundMe for McKendree University's Water Polo coach

Colleen Lischwe, the cherished head coach of McKendree University men’s and women’s water polo teams, passed away at the age of 34 following a devastating car accident on 16 January 2025.

The incident occurred as Lischwe was traveling eastbound on I-44 when a semi-truck rear-ended her Toyota Prius, forcing her vehicle off the interstate and onto Vandeventer Avenue below, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Responding officers found her critically injured, and she was rushed to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

According to Fox2Now, police reports indicate that the truck driver admitted to briefly looking down to grab a drink, only noticing Lischwe’s car too late to avoid the collision. Authorities detained the driver, conducted a blood test, and released him pending further investigation. As reported by 5 On Your Side, St. Louis Police Metropolitan Department Spokesperson Mitch McCoy said:

"This is morning rush hour. You should not be looking down, you should not be distracted, and your attention should be on what you're driving, especially in the middle of morning rush hour and days after a winter storm. Road conditions are still slick and dangerous; your full attention should be on the vehicle you're operating."

In the wake of this tragedy, over $39,000 has been raised on GoFundMe to honor Lischwe’s memory and support her loved ones.

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Community reactions to Colleen Lischwe's untimely death

Colleen Lishwe's untimely death has deeply impacted the McKendree University community and all who knew her. Here's what Matthew Schott, one of the parents of Collen Lischwe's students Noah and Sydney, had to say:

"Our family is really without words. We learned yesterday that Noah's water polo coach at McKendree University was killed in a car accident on her way to practice. Colleen Lischwe was someone who'd been in our lives for just 4-5 years but was obviously the main reason Noah is at McKendree and was a profound influence on Noah and Sydney, both in the pool and out of it."

Reza Behnam, Colleen's former coach, also took to her Facebook to share her shock and grief. Along with older pictures of Colleen Lischwe, in a statement, she shared:

"It is with incredible sadness that I share the passing of Colleen Lischwe. I coached her through high school and watched her amazing collegiate career lead her back to KHS where she was my assistant and later the head coach when I retired."

The official account for USA Water Polo also paid a tribute to Collen Lischwe. They expressed:

"We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of McKendree University Head Water Polo Coach and longtime USA Water Polo ODP Coach Colleen Lischwe. A Missouri Water Polo Hall of Fame inductee, she was a beloved member of the water polo community and our thoughts are with her family, friends and athletes during this difficult time."

The Collegiate Water Polo Association also mourned 'the loss of McKendree University Men’s & Women’s Head Coach Colleen Lischwe.'

The McKendree University community also shared a statement after her death, recognizing her for her 'unwavering dedication' to her students and colleagues.

According to the description on her GoFundMe campaign, Collen Lischwe was a devoted mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend who touched countless lives through her selflessness and dedication. Colleen not only excelled as a coach and mentor but also offered emotional support to those in need.

Her family—her husband, Casey, and their 3-year-old daughter—were the cornerstone of her life, and her love for them was evident to all who knew her. Colleen's contributions to the world of water polo, particularly through her work with St. Louis Area Polo (SLAP), McKendree University, and USA Water Polo (USAWP), were immense, and her legacy will continue to inspire those she coached and mentored.