Former Lehman student Audrey Gaytan particpated in a slew of athletic activities before her graduation in 2009, including the powderpuff football game last year. Gaytan was found dead this weekend in San Benito.

by Jen Biundo

Audrey Gaytan, who wrapped up her senior year at Lehman as homecoming queen and captain of the girls soccer team before graduating last May, died this weekend in the Rio Grande Valley.

Gaytan, 19,  died Saturday at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, near the Texas-Mexico border, according to the death notice published in the Valley Morning Star. Authorities with the Cameron County Sheriff’s Department and Harlingen Police Department could not immediately be reached for comment, but local sources say police are investigating unnatural causes of death.

Gaytan’s former teammates and coaches describe her as popular, talented girl and say her death has sent waves of grief through the community.

“She was just a beautiful human being,” said Lehman girls soccer coach Nauri Garcia. “I thought, this girl is going to be someone. She had so much charisma. It’s affecting everyone.”

Gaytan also excelled in power lifting and served as a student athletic trainer.

Gaytan graduated with the class of 2009, and many of her former teammates and friends are still attending Lehman, making her death especially difficult on the school, said Lehman Principal Elsa Hinojosa.

“Audrey Gaytan was involved in so many different facets of Lehman High School,” Hinojosa said.  “She was a wonderful human being. This is just a great loss to the Lehman class family.”

Services will be held at Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors in San Benito. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday from noon – 9 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday morning at Valley International Christian Center, with internment following at Memorial Park, also in San Benito.

This is a breaking news story. Check back soon for more updates.