Former USF basketball player Nina Pacholke has died at the age of 27

“My heart is broken into a million pieces and I know it will never be whole again,” she said. “One day these words will come to me. But for now, I know she’s not in pain anymore, and I’m grateful for that.”

In her message, she addressed Nina directly.

“I love you more than you could possibly understand. You were my best friend. My whole world,” she said. “I am very sorry that I could not save you. Thank you for everything”.

Nina’s former team also shared a tribute on Twitter.

“The Bulls are heartbroken to learn of the sudden loss of our beloved former teammate Nina Pacholke (2013-16),” USF Women’s Basketball wrote August 29. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Nina and her family at this extremely difficult time.”