Nixon responds to “heart-breaking” case of MU swimmer

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon is calling the case of the former University of Missouri swimmer who said she was sexually assaulted and later committed suicide a “heart-breaking situation.”

Nixon said Tuesday his “thoughts and prayers” are with the family of Sasha Menu Courey as they are thrust into the spotlight after an ESPN investigation.

In response to ABC 17 News’ question about MU President Tim Wolfe’s decision to hire an investigator, Nixon said he thinks that Columbia Police department investigating the case is “the right play”.

“College campuses need to be safe havens,” he said. “This type of allegation needs to be taken very, very seriously.”

Menu Courey committed suicide in June 2011.

Her family claims the university did not properly investigate allegations that a football player sexually assaulted her in February 2010.

The university has responded by launching an external legal review into her death.