European Amateur Golf Champion Celia Barquín killed on golf course

A man has been charged with murder after European Ladies’ Amateur Champion and former Iowa State College golfer Celia Barquín was found dead at a golf course in Ames, Iowa.

The tragic news was reported from various outlets in the United States after Celia Barquín Arozamena’s body was found by police on Monday. Golfers at the Coldwater Golf Links had discovered an unattended golf bag in the early hours, and police discovered Barquín shortly after. 

Police in the Iowa city of Ames said they had determined that 22-year-old Barquín, who was originally from Peunte San Miguel in Spain, had died following an assault.

Collin Daniel Richards, also 22, who was homeless and living in woods nearby, has since been charged with first-degree murder.

Since original reports from Ames Police (below), more harrowing details have been released about Barquín’s murder. Court documents state she had been stabbed several times in the upper torso, head and neck, and her body had been found in a pond ‘some distance’ from her golf bag.

According to CNN, police spoke on Monday with a man who knew Richards and asked them, “What did he do to her?”, while an affidavit filed in court states that the man also informed police Richards had told him recently “of having an urge to rape and kill a woman.”

Police found Richards at a homeless camp, and the affidavit states he had “fresh scratches on his face consistent with fighting,” and was also tried to hide a deep cut on his left hand. The document further states that inside Richards’ backpack were bloodied clothes and a knife.

Huff said police don’t know of any relationship connecting the suspect and the victim. He said police have had “past encounters” with Richards but that he did not know details, or any information about Richards’ criminal record.

Barquín, who won the 2018 Big 12 university championship and was named Iowa State Female Athlete of the Year, was in Iowa finishing her degree in civil engineering this semester, according to the University.

“We are all devastated,” Iowa State head women’s golf coach Christie Martens said of her death. “Celia was a beautiful person who was loved by all her teammates and friends. She loved Iowa State and was an outstanding representative for our school. We will never forget her competitive drive to be the best and her passion for life.”

Jamie Pollard, Iowa State’s athletic director, also remembered the former Cyclones golfer fondly.

“Celia had an infectious smile, a bubbly personality and anyone fortunate enough to know her was blessed,” Pollard said in a statement. “Our Cyclone family mourns the tragic loss of Celia, a spectacular student-athlete and ISU ambassador.”

The European Golf Association also took to social media to share how they were ‘deeply saddened’ by Barquín’s death, calling her a ‘delightful young lady who who inspired all who met her with her enthusiasm for golf and life’. 

Her memory will be honored by Iowa State’s athletic department at Saturday’s football game against Akron.