Slain Wheaton native was ‘shining example’ for others, parents say
Wheaton residents Paul and Lisa Boken released the following statement Monday about their daughter Megan’s murder in St. Louis.
“On Saturday afternoon, our daughter Megan lost her life as she got in her car in the Central West End to attend an alumni volleyball match at St. Louis University. This loss is devastating to our family, the Saint Louis University community, the volleyball community and her many friends. Megan was a shining example of how to live a life for others.
“On behalf of the entire Boken family, we would like to thank everyone who has provided comfort, support and prayers during this difficult time. We are especially thankful to the Central West End NSI for establishing a $10,000 reward fund to encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in the investigation. We would also like to express our gratitude to the St. Louis Police Department for their hard work thus far. We ask that anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the person responsible for Megan’s death to please contact the St. Louis Police Department.
“Megan was a four-year starter on the St. Louis University volleyball team and the team captain her senior year. She earned All Atlantic 10 Conference honors her junior and senior seasons. Megan played on two state championship teams at St. Francis High School in Wheaton, and was selected as the Captain of the Tribune All State team her senior year. In addition, Megan contributed to several AAU Championships and a USA Volleyball National Championship during her time at Sports Performance Volleyball Club.
“More than her athletic achievements, Megan showed us all what it meant to be a teammate and a friend. She was a model for how to prepare, how to inspire others on and off the court, and how to compete at the highest level purely for the joy of it.
“Megan is survived by her parents, Paul and Lisa Boken, and siblings Annie Palazzolo (Boken), 28, Joe Boken, 25, and Mary Boken, 15, and her grandparents and many aunts, uncles and cousins.”