South Florida Bulls guard Neena Pacholke Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Former USF guard Neena Pacholke reportedly dead by suicide

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 8/29/22

The women's basketball program of the University of South Florida Bulls sadly announced on Monday that it lost one of its own.

According to TMZ Sports, former USF point guard Neena Pacholke was found dead by Wausau Police Department officials during a welfare check on Saturday morning. The story adds that Pacholke had made suicidal statements and that her younger sister, Kaitlynn Pacholke, confirmed to the Tampa Bay Times that the 27-year-old had died by suicide.

USF addressed the news via social media:

The Bulls are heartbroken to learn of the sudden loss of our beloved former teammate Neena Pacholke (2013-16). Our thoughts and prayers are with Neena and her family during this extremely difficult time. pic.twitter.com/kMDyBZVsOG
— USF W. Basketball (@USFWBB) August 29, 2022

Pacholke lettered for the Bulls from 2013 through 2016 after she made her name playing for Freedom High School in Tampa, Florida. She served as a backup at USF and, per the school's website, appeared in 19 games. After her collegiate playing days came to an end, she became a morning anchor for WAOW News 9 out of Wisconsin.

"The entire team here at News 9 are absolutely devastated by the loss as we know so many others are as well," wrote Courtney Terlecki for the station's website. "Neena loved this community and the people who lived here. She was a kind person with a big heart and a contagious smile and we will miss her greatly."

Terlecki continued:

"If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out. You are not alone and there are many resources available you can find here."

Kaitlynn Pacholke added in her comments that Neena "just radiated love and positivity, and she just cared so much about pouring into other people, and always put other people first."

"I think she did that at the expense of not caring about herself," Kaitlynn continued.

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