Karlijn Keijzer killed in air disaster

— -- Karlijn Keijzer, a member of Indiana University's Varsity 8 boat in 2011 who later went on to pursue a doctoral degree at the school, was among those killed when Malaysian Airlines MH17 was shot down over Eastern Ukraine on Thursday.

The university made the announcement Friday. Keijzer, 25, from the Netherlands, was a celebrated junior rower, participating in the European Rowing Junior Championships in 2006 and the World Rowing Junior Championships in 2007.

"The Indiana Rowing family is deeply saddened by the news of Karlijn's sudden passing," Indiana head rowing coach Steve Peterson said in a statement released Friday. "She came to us for one year as a graduate student and truly wanted to pursue rowing.

"That year was the first year we really started to make a mark with the First Varsity 8 boat, and she was a huge reason for it. She was a phenomenal student and loved IU so much that she stayed here after she earned her master's degree. Our condolences go out to her family and friends in this very tough time."

After rowing for Indiana's Varsity 8 boat in 2011, Keijzer was recognized with Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association Scholar-Athlete honors and was an Academic All-Big Ten selection.

"Karlijn was an outstanding student and a talented athlete, and her passing is a loss to the campus and the university," university present Michael McRobbie said in the statement. "Our hearts also go out to the families of all the victims of this senseless act."

Two Newcastle United fans traveling to watch the team play in New Zealand also were among the 298 victims, the team confirmed Friday.