Deep emotion and incomprehension after the death of Pilar Victoria, 28 years old, former volleyball player from Béziers

Pilar Victoria was 28 years old. She was found dead in her bed. BV – BV

Janissa Jonhoson died of cancer in May 2024, alongside Pilar Victoria during the 2018-2019 season. BV – BV

The announcement of the death of Pilar Victoria, found dead in her bed in Turkey, where she had been playing since last season, caused a stir at Béziers Volley where she had played two seasons. President Bernard Fages, like her former coach Fabien Simondet, are in shock. Especially since this death comes after that of Janissa Jonhson, who died of cancer in May 2024.

Bernard Fages, the president of Béziers Volley, is in shock, stunned. The announcement of the death of Puerto Rican Pilar Victoria, who wore the colors of her club for two seasons, in 2018-2019 and during the last championship (2023-2024), has also caused a stir within the BV. Especially since the young woman, aged 28, who had just joined Turkey this season, died suddenly, for no apparent reason. She was found dead in her bed.

“Her death is a catastrophe”

It was her teammates, worried about not having seen her come to training and discovering her car still parked in front of her house, who alerted the emergency services: “Pilar was in great shape, she had no physical problems, notes Bernard Fages sadly. I only have very good memories of her. She always had a smile, she was pleasant and very good at volleyball. I remember that once, a little girl asked her for her jersey. She signed it and gave it to her. Her death is a catastrophe…" This terrible news also follows the death of Janissa Johnson, who died of cancer in May 2024.

"Hard to accept"

Fabien Simondet, who was Pilar Victoria's coach, was also very touched by the news. Especially since he had managed her during her first season at the head of the Béziers professional team: “We had kept in touch, I followed her, says Fabien Simondet. She was a girl full of life, very warm. We all had a lot of affection for her. It's really hard to hear this kind of news, hard to accept, to take in."

The coach says that nothing could have suggested the young woman's death: "She was a very professional player, assures her former coach. She had no health problems or history. She was never excessive. It's shocking…"

An autopsy has been requested by the Turkish authorities. It should help determine the reasons for the disappearance of a player who leaves a big void in Béziers and in the world of volleyball.

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