10 Photos of Karoline Heintz: 18-Year-Old Soccer Star Tragically Killed Before College Debut

Karoline Heintz was preparing for one of the biggest chapters of her life. The 18-year-old had recently graduated from Peters Township High School and was days away from beginning college, where she was set to continue the sport she had played for years.

Instead, the incoming PennWest California student and women's soccer player was found dead inside her family's Jeep Cherokee shortly after midnight on Thursday, 20 August.

Her boyfriend, 18-year-old Royce Moser, has been charged with homicide. His mother, Rachel Moser, is also facing charges over what police allege happened after Heintz was killed.

As Heintz's family, friends, teammates and coaches mourn her death, photographs shared over the years offer a glimpse into the young woman they knew: a daughter, friend, student and dedicated footballer whose life was only just beginning.

A Soccer Player With Her Future Ahead of Her

Heintz had spent years playing football and was preparing to take her game to the collegiate level.

She had graduated from high school in June and was due to begin her freshman year at PennWest California. She had committed to play Division II soccer, with her team's first match scheduled for 29 August.

Her longtime coach, Tyler Hamstra, said he had known and coached Heintz for a decade.

'Heartbroken would be an understatement,' Hamstra wrote in a Facebook tribute, describing her as one of the 'happiest, most loyal, caring, and genuinely kind people' he had known.

He added that Heintz had made people's lives better simply by being part of them, writing: 'The world needed more Karoline Heintz, not less.'

Victory Soccer Club, where Heintz had played, also mourned the teenager, saying she would 'always be part of the Victory family'.

What Police Say Happened to Karoline Heintz

Heintz had attended a family gathering on Wednesday evening before meeting Moser at his father's home in North Strabane Township.

Pennsylvania State Police said the couple were sitting inside the Jeep discussing their relationship and how it might continue as they entered college.

'Somewhere that conversation probably goes a little bit south,' Pennsylvania State Trooper Rocco Gagliardi told reporters.

Police allege Moser went inside the house, retrieved a large kitchen knife and returned to the vehicle before stabbing Heintz in the chest. Investigators say she fell from the Jeep before Moser picked her up and placed her body in the rear hatch.

He allegedly drove to his mother's home, where police say the pair attempted to clean his clothes, the vehicle and blood stains before taking the Jeep towards California Borough.

Heintz's worried family sought help after she failed to check in. Police later located the Jeep and discovered her body inside.

Moser allegedly told his mother that a 'demon' had taken over and told him to stab Heintz, according to CBS News Pittsburgh. Police have not announced a motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Charges Filed Against Moser and His Mother

Moser faces charges including homicide, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy and obstruction of justice.

Rachel Moser has been charged with hindering apprehension, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy and obstruction. Police said both were forthcoming with investigators during separate interviews.

A Scholarship Planned in Karoline's Memory

The tributes have now extended beyond the football pitch.

A fundraising campaign established with the blessing of Heintz's family aims to create a scholarship in her honour and support organisations working to prevent domestic abuse and help those affected by it.

The fundraiser remembers Heintz as a 'beloved daughter, family member, friend, classmate, and teammate' whose life touched many people.

PennWest University also paid tribute to its incoming student, saying it was 'deeply saddened' by her death and extending condolences to her family and friends.

For those who coached her, however, Heintz's impact is perhaps captured most simply by the words now being repeated in tributes to the 18-year-old.

'We were all so proud of you, Karoline,' Victory Soccer Club wrote. 'And we always will be.'