Editor's note: If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Thorns goalie Bella Bixby said Sunday her father died by suicide in the week before Portland's NWSL semifinal match against Chicago.
Bixby and the Thorns lost 2-0 to the Red Stars on Sunday. She announced the news of her father's death hours after.
“I don’t feel like I owe anyone an explanation, but I do feel like I’m ready to say it,” Bixby wrote. “My father died this week by suicide. And I’ve surprised myself how strong I’ve been, but I couldn’t hold it in anymore."
"My playing for this city meant so much to him."
Bixby received support throughout the NWSL community following her announcement on Sunday, including a message from Chicago.
Bixby, 25, completed her second season with the Thorns in 2021, a year in which she allowed just 11 goals in 16 games. She previously made 72 appearances in four seasons at Oregon State from 2014 to '17.
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