Colleen Lischwe Obituary: Colleen Lischwe, 34, Former Head Coach of McKendree University Water Polo Teams, Tragically Killed in Fatal I-44 Crash
ST. LOUIS, MO – The St. Louis community, as well as the McKendree University family, is mourning the sudden loss of Colleen Lischwe, a 34-year-old head coach and mentor who tragically passed away after a fatal car accident on Interstate 44. Lischwe, a beloved figure at McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois, was the head coach of both the Men’s and Women’s Water Polo teams, and her passing has left a hole in the hearts of her colleagues, students, and athletes. The incident took place on I-44 near Vandeventer Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri.
Colleen Lischwe’s dedication to her teams, her community, and her personal commitment to excellence have been celebrated by all who had the privilege of working with her. The young coach’s life was tragically cut short when her vehicle was struck by a semi-truck, ultimately leading to her untimely death.
Timeline of Events Leading to Tragedy
According to preliminary reports from the St. Louis City Police Department, the collision occurred on January 14, 2025, around 2:30 PM. Lischwe was driving her Toyota Prius eastbound on I-44 when, without warning, a semi-truck traveling behind her collided with her car. The impact caused her vehicle to careen off the interstate, over a snow drift, and onto Vandeventer Avenue.
In a statement given by the truck driver, authorities were told that he had briefly looked away from the road to grab a drink. By the time he refocused his attention, traffic had slowed, and the driver could not avoid hitting Lischwe’s car. The semi-truck driver was visibly shaken by the accident but was not reported to have sustained injuries. However, Lischwe’s vehicle was severely damaged, and emergency responders arrived quickly on the scene.
Emergency Response and Hospitalization
Upon arrival, emergency personnel immediately attended to Lischwe, who was found unconscious but responsive to some extent. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors attempted to stabilize her. Despite their best efforts, she was pronounced deceased shortly after her arrival. The cause of death was attributed to blunt force trauma sustained in the collision.
Investigation and Authorities’ Statement
The St. Louis City Police Accident Reconstruction Team has launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. They are working to piece together the exact sequence of events leading to Lischwe’s death and have urged anyone with additional information regarding the incident to come forward.
“Right now, our primary concern is to gather all available evidence so we can fully understand what happened,” said Lt. Eric Wood, spokesperson for the St. Louis City Police Department. “We are also looking into the possibility of whether charges may be warranted against the truck driver.”
Authorities have stated that the semi-truck driver has been cooperative during the investigation, and his statements about his distracted driving have been taken into consideration. However, no charges have been filed as of yet, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Impact on McKendree University
Colleen Lischwe’s tragic passing has left a profound impact on McKendree University, where she was a respected member of the athletic department and a beloved coach. The university’s athletic program flourished under her leadership, and her influence extended far beyond the pool. Colleagues, athletes, and former students have all expressed their sorrow over the loss of a woman who inspired many to strive for excellence, both in sports and in life.
“She was a leader, a mentor, and a true friend to everyone who knew her,” said Mike Beal, Director of Athletics at McKendree University. “Her loss is devastating to all of us, and we will honor her legacy by continuing to promote the values she instilled in her teams. Colleen’s influence will live on through every student-athlete she mentored.”
Under Lischwe’s leadership, the McKendree Bearcats achieved notable success in water polo. She was known for her innovative coaching style and her unwavering dedication to her athletes, who often praised her for her ability to motivate them both in and out of the water. Lischwe’s coaching philosophy emphasized hard work, discipline, and team cohesion, and she worked tirelessly to build a culture of respect and perseverance within the water polo program.
“She was always there for her athletes, providing support, encouragement, and guidance,” said one of Lischwe’s former players, who wished to remain anonymous. “It wasn’t just about winning for her. It was about teaching us life skills and helping us grow as people. She had a profound impact on all of us, and it’s hard to imagine the team without her.”
Lischwe had served as the head coach for the Men’s and Women’s Water Polo teams for several years, and she had been instrumental in leading the teams to national recognition. Her contributions to the McKendree athletic program earned her the admiration of her colleagues and the student body alike.
A Passion for Water Polo and Community Engagement
Though Colleen Lischwe’s career was marked by athletic success, it was her unwavering commitment to the development and well-being of her athletes that made her stand out. In addition to her coaching duties, Lischwe was actively involved in community outreach, often organizing charity events and engaging with local youth programs. She was particularly passionate about promoting the sport of water polo to younger generations, and many of her athletes have spoken about how much she cared for the future of the sport.
In her spare time, Lischwe was known to volunteer at local schools, offering guidance and mentorship to aspiring athletes. She also maintained a close connection with the McKendree community, attending various university events and supporting students and faculty across different departments.
“Her enthusiasm and positivity were contagious,” said one of her colleagues. “She was someone who could walk into a room and light it up. Her passion for both water polo and her students was something we all admired.”
University and Community Mourn Together
In response to Lischwe’s death, McKendree University has announced plans to hold a memorial service in her honor, and a fund will be established to support her family and the McKendree Water Polo teams. The university has also vowed to pay tribute to Lischwe’s legacy by naming the McKendree Water Polo Complex in her memory, ensuring that future generations of students will remember the impact she had on the university and the sport of water polo.
The McKendree Bearcats Water Polo teams will also honor Lischwe by dedicating their upcoming season to her memory. Her former athletes have expressed their intention to continue playing in her spirit, upholding the values she taught them.
“Colleen was more than a coach to us. She was a guiding light and a true friend,” said one of Lischwe’s former players. “We will play for her, we will win for her, and we will keep her legacy alive.”
In addition to McKendree University’s tributes, many in the wider St. Louis community have expressed their grief and support for Lischwe’s family and friends. Local residents have taken to social media to share their memories of the coach and to offer condolences to her loved ones.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Colleen’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” said St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson. “She was a tremendous asset to her community, and her loss is deeply felt by all who knew her.”
The Tragic Circumstances Surrounding the Crash
Although the exact details of the crash are still under investigation, initial reports indicate that the accident may have been caused by a lapse in the semi-truck driver’s attention. The driver told police that he had briefly looked down to grab a drink, and when he looked back up, traffic had slowed to a stop. By then, it was too late to avoid a collision with Lischwe’s car.
The St. Louis City Police Accident Reconstruction Team is carefully examining the scene of the crash, taking into account factors such as road conditions, traffic flow, and any potential vehicle defects that may have contributed to the incident. Authorities are also exploring the possibility that distracted driving played a significant role in the tragedy.
“We are working diligently to determine the cause of the crash,” said Lt. Wood. “Once we have a clearer understanding of the facts, we will make any necessary decisions regarding potential charges or legal actions.”
As part of the investigation, authorities have gathered statements from eyewitnesses who were on the scene at the time of the accident. One witness described the scene as “devastating,” noting that the truck driver appeared to be in a state of shock after the crash.
Remembering Colleen Lischwe
In the wake of this tragic accident, Colleen Lischwe’s friends, colleagues, and athletes are united in their grief, remembering the woman who was so much more than a coach. She was a role model, a mentor, and a friend to all who knew her. Her dedication to her athletes and her community will be remembered for years to come.
Colleen Lischwe’s legacy will live on through the lives she touched, the athletes she mentored, and the countless people whose lives were made better by her example. As the investigation continues and authorities work to understand the full circumstances of the crash, the memory of Colleen Lischwe will remain a source of inspiration and admiration for all who knew her.
The McKendree University Water Polo teams, her family, and her many friends will continue to mourn her loss, but they will also celebrate her life and the incredible impact she had on those around her.
Final Words
Colleen Lischwe’s tragic passing is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment we have. As we reflect on the loss of a remarkable woman, it is crucial that we honor her memory by living our lives with the same dedication, passion, and generosity that she exemplified every day.
Though she may be gone, her spirit will continue to inspire and guide all who knew her.
