Kristine Andersen, KU rugby player from Olathe, dies

LAWRENCE, Kan. - A University of Kansas rugby player from Johnson County, described as beloved in the classroom and in the creative writing community, died Sunday, the school said in a statement.

“On behalf of the entire University of Kansas community, I offer deep condolences to the family and loved ones of Kristine Andersen,” KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little said in the statement, posted Wednesday to the university’s website .

Andersen, 21, of Olathe, was a junior majoring in English. The statement did not offer any details about the circumstances of her Oct. 7 death. A post on the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home website stated she died in Lawrence. 

"The English Department is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Kristine’s death,” Department of English chair Anna Neill said. "She was much beloved in the classroom and in the creative writing community."

A vigil is planned for 8 p.m. Saturday at the KU rugby pitch, a family member told 41 Action News.

Andersen’s instructors described her as generous, funny, bright, wonderfully irreverent and passionate about ideas, Neill said.

A service is planned for Sunday, Oct. 14 at 3 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 14275 Blackbob, in Olathe.