Loved ones seeking answers after former UMKC volleyball player shot, killed
By Andy Alcock
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMBC) — A former University of Missouri-Kansas City volleyball star has been identified as the victim of a weekend murder.
Kansas City Police officers found Rhegan Spiegel, 28, lying in the street with a gunshot wound near the corner of 42nd and Forest late Sunday night.
Despite their best efforts, officers were unable to save her.
“I just really hope that she was surrounded in her final moments by all the love that she poured out into her community and to her friends,” said Isa Rueda-Munoz, Spiegel’s friend.
There’s a memorial set up near where police officers found Spiegel.
According to Rueda-Munoz, Spiegel had been staying on and off with a man who lived in a home close to where she was found lying in the street.
“I don’t know much about him or the relationship. None of her friends I’ve spoken to have anything to say about him other than that he’s changed his story and none of the neighbors know where he is. People are looking for him,” Rueda-Munoz said.
Spiegel was a star volleyball player for UMKC from 2016 through 2018.
The Roos shared a video on social media when Spiegel, overcome with emotion, learned her sophomore year she had been given a full ride scholarship.
“Your outstanding work ethic, your loyal commitment to your team and your intense determination, you have been awarded a full ride scholarship,” Spiegel said reading the letter in front of her coaches and teammates.
Longtime UMKC Head Volleyball Coach Christi Posey issued a statement Tuesday.
“It is heartbreaking to hear of Rhegan’s passing, but we are so grateful for the time that we were able to spend with her as a member of the Roo family. Rhegan was always a go-getter with great positive energy who was respected and loved by her teammates. She was an incredibly hard worker and above all else I will remember the smile that she brought to practice every day. We hold her family, friends, and former teammates in our thoughts through this difficult time.”
Rueda-Munoz said Spiegel had been through her own tough times after losing her job and her home.
She said Spiegel had been staying with various friends.
Despite those issues, Rueda-Munoz said Spiegel remained very positive.
She met her working on an effort to set up an around the clock aid cabinet to help their neighbors in need with free food and other supplies.
“I just want to make my peace with the whole situation. I just want to tell my friend, like, I love you,” Rueda-Munoz said.
Spiegel’s family also issued a statement.
“Rhegan was a ray of light to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her kindness and outgoing nature made everyone around her smile. She was never afraid to be herself, and that made people love her even more. Rhegan was a huge music fan and concertgoer. She studied at UMKC where she was the starting libero for their volleyball team. Rhegan believed above all in community and being there for one another. She wanted more than anything for that to be reflected in the city she lived in. Rhegan will never be forgotten, and her light will continue to shine forever in the hearts of those who love her.”
A statement from KCPD Tuesday said, “The circumstances remain very much under investigation. Detectives will examine all available evidence and witness accounts to best determine the sequence of events and contributing circumstances.”
Detectives have canvassed the surrounding neighborhood to get statements from witnesses.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call (816)474-TIPS.
Callers can remain anonymous.
Information leading to an arrest is eligible for up to a $25,000 reward.
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