Former Kansas University Soccer Player Dies At 25, Her Husband Is Accused Of Her Murder

If found guilty, 26-year-old Chad Joseph Marek could face up to life in prison for the murder of Regan Gibbs.

May 19, 2022
Former Kansas soccer player Regan Gibbs, 25, [main] was murdered on May 16, 2022. Her husband, Chad Joseph Marek [inset], is being accused of her murder.

On May 16, 2022, former Kansas soccer player Regan Gibbs, 25, was found dead. If convicted, 26-year-old Chad Joseph Marek could face up to life in prison for her murder.

Photo by: Hannah Lewis via GoFundMe [main]; Douglas County Sheriff's Office via AP [inset]

Hannah Lewis via GoFundMe [main]; Douglas County Sheriff's Office via AP [inset]

A former Kansas University soccer player was allegedly killed by her husband, and he claims he was following orders from a higher power.

On the night of May 16, Regan Noelle Gibbs, 25, was found dead in her apartment in Lawrence, Kansas, according to the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Her husband, Chad Joseph Marek, 26, was arrested at the scene and charged with suspicion of murder and could be facing a first-degree murder charge.

According to the Lawrence Journal World, Marek made the 911 call and told the dispatcher that God told him to kill his wife. Lawrence Police Chief Rich Lockhart told the outlet he is unsure of the specific cause of death because an autopsy has not been done but he did mention that her body experienced a lot of trauma.

Journal-World also reported Marek posted several conspiracy videos on YouTube about COVID-19 vaccines, calling it the “spirit of the Antichrist '' as well as anti-LBTQ sentiments.

Gibbs was a goalkeeper for Kansas from 2015 to 2018, according to Yahoo Sports. Her former head coach, Mark Francis, released a statement earlier this week.

“Our soccer program is heartbroken to hear about the tragic loss of Regan," Head Coach Francis said in the statement released on the Kansas website. "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.”

Kansas athletic director Travis Goff added in the same release: “We are devastated to hear about the loss of former KU student-athlete Regan Gibbs. Our KU family sends our love, support, and prayers to Regan’s family, friends, and former teammates as we all mourn her loss.”

An autopsy is scheduled for later this week, according to KSHB.

If convicted, Marek could face up to life in prison. Marek is currently being detained and his bond is at $1 million. His next court appearance is May 24, according to the Capital-Journal.

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