Katya Rojco obituary and dead, Track & Field Athlete at The University

With profound sorrow, we commemorate the life of Ecaterina Rojco, a gifted sophomore in track & field at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Tragically, Ecaterina, hailing from Salem, New Hampshire, lost her life to suicide. As we reflect on her achievements both on and off the track, let us honor her accomplishments and emphasize the critical importance of mental health awareness.

Ecaterina Rojco left an indelible mark on the University of Massachusetts Amherst track & field team. In the 2021-22 outdoor season, she displayed her prowess in the 400-meter hurdles, securing third place at notable events like the Holy Cross Invitational and the UMass Invitational. Indoors, she contributed to the 4×400 meter relay team and achieved fifth place in the 400-meter dash at the Blue & Orange Invitational, clocking in at 1:01.59.

Before her tenure at UMass, Ecaterina excelled in both indoor and outdoor track at Salem High School. An outstanding athlete, she garnered nine total letters and played a pivotal role in setting school records. Notably, she contributed to establishing the 4×400 meter relay records in both indoor and outdoor track, showcasing her commitment and skill. Rojco’s leadership was evident as she captained the indoor and outdoor track teams during her junior and senior years, leaving an enduring legacy in Salem High School’s athletic program.

Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Ecaterina Rojco demonstrated excellence in academics. She received various awards, including the Integrated Science Award, History Award, Engineering Award, and Intermediate Spanish Award. As a member of the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society, she embodied the values of scholarship and community involvement.

Ecaterina, affectionately known as “Katia,” was born to Elena and Tudor Rojco in Salem, New Hampshire, and had a sibling, Sergey. With a passion for neuroscience, she aspired to major in the field, reflecting her intellectual curiosity and dedication to the pursuit of knowledge.