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Former College Soccer Player Found Dead In Apartment As Husband Is Charged With Murder
Authorities allege that Chad Marek called 911 to report that he killed his wife Regan Gibbs because "God told him to do it."
A Kansas woman who once starred on the University of Kansas soccer team was found dead in what police say was a suspected act of domestic violence.
Regan Noelle Gibbs, 25, was found slain at her Lawrence, Kansas, apartment Monday evening, as announced by local authorities. Although a cause of death has not been released, the victim’s husband, Chad Joseph Marek, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder.
Authorities told Fox Kansas City affiliate WDAF-TV it was Marek who initially called 911, allegedly claiming he killed his wife because “God told him to do it,” according to Lawrence Police Chief Rich Lockhart.
“There obviously are some preliminary indicators that this person wasn’t mentally stable,” said Lockhart. “We call it being in psychosis, so obviously, that is something we will be investigating as well as this case continues.”
Gibbs and Marek married in November.
Gibbs’ suspected murder is rippling through the athletic community as colleagues mourn the loss of the former Jayhawks goalie. Mark Francis, who coaches the university's soccer team, released a statement, as published on the school’s athletics page.
“Our soccer program is heartbroken to hear about the tragic loss of Regan,” Francis stated. “She was a tremendous teammate and young woman and touched so many during her time at Kansas. Regan will always be remembered for the impact she had both on and off the field. We share our condolences to her family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.”
Gibbs played for the university between 2015 and 2018.
The university’s release references Gibbs as being from Naches, Washington, and a member of two NCAA tournament teams during her playing career.
“We are devastated to hear about the loss of former KU student-athlete Regan Gibbs,” added Travis Goff, Director of Athletics. “Our KU family sends our love, support, and prayers to Regan’s family, friends, and former teammates as we all mourn her loss.”
Chief Lockhart told WDAF-TV that they couldn’t glean how Gibbs died in their preliminary investigation but said a postmortem examination is expected to take place on Thursday.
Loved ones created a GoFundMe page on behalf of Gibbs’ family, describing the victim as a compassionate woman with big dreams.
“Regan was only 25; a beautiful, kindhearted girl who loved Jesus and people,” said loved ones. “She had a big heart for the homeless and hoped to go back to school to become a physician's assistant to do mission work.”
Gibbs leaves behind her family, including four younger sisters, according to the campaign.
Marek remains at the Douglas County Jail, where he is being held on $1 million bond. According to the Fox affiliate, he is scheduled to appear in court on May 24.
