Former ISU Dance Team Member & Cheerleader Rachel Hagg Dies Unexpectedly at 29
September 19, 2026
This article was last updated by Sanjib Sah on September 19, 2026
Iowa State University alumna and former ISU Dance Team member, Rachel Hagg, passed away unexpectedly on 16 September 2026. She was 29 years old.
The Cyclone Dance Team, the official Iowa State Dance Team, confirmed her passing in an Instagram post. She was also a graduate of the University of Sydney.
"Our hearts are heavy as we remember our ISUDT alum, Rachel. She will always be remembered as a beloved and passionate teammate who brought joy to everyone around her. Her memory will forever be apart of ISUDT’s legacy, and our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who loved her. ❤️🪽" - Cyclone Dance Team
Her friend, Conor Dass, also paid tribute on Facebook, remembering “Hagg” and revealed that he visited her in Boston a few weeks ago.
Rachel Hagg Had A Warm And Genuine Spirit
Rachel’s friend Conor described her as “fiercely herself, sharp, thoughtful, funny, deeply passionate, and kind,” a person whose inner beauty matched her outward warmth.
According to Dass, Rachel had a rare gift for connecting with others, effortlessly drawing people into her orbit with her genuine spirit.
He also mentioned that he “lost count of how many strangers his introverted self ended up having to talk to, simply because of Rachel’s warm and genuine spirit that naturally drew people in.”
Her influence on my life is difficult to express and perhaps one day I’ll find the right words to do that. As for now, life without her feels a lot emptier and less welcoming. I’m sorry I convinced us that a half-marathon would be fun, and I so deeply wish I was with you in that moment, if nothing else, just to be there with you by your side.-
One can sense the pain in Conor’s words and the profound impact of Rachel’s passing on everyone around her.
Dass said he contacted the team that had taken care of Rachel in her final moments, and he felt at ease knowing that they had taken great care.
“When our paths eventually cross again, I cannot wait to hear about all the adventures you’ll be going on now (and Heaven’s new sustainability program). I love you, Rach,” Conor Dass added.
Rachel Hagg Was A Former Finance Rotation Program Participant At Collins Aerospace
Rachel Hagg was a native of Ankeny, Iowa. She attended Ankeny High School and graduated in the top 3% of her class in 2013. She also attended a six-week study abroad program in the Spanish Language and Literature at the University of Valencia in 2014.
Moreover, Hagg earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, International Business, and Spanish from Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business (2013–2016).
Graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 3.96 GPA, she was active as a student ambassador, in the Finance Club, the Iowa State University Dance Team, and several other campus programs.
After that, Rachel decided to go to Australia on a one-year working holiday visa. What started as a short trip turned into a life-changing experience.
In her own words, it “turned into a life-changing adventure filled with unforgettable experiences, lifelong friendships, and a deeper passion for sustainability.”
She earned a Master of Science in Sustainability with Distinction from the University of Sydney (2019–2026), taking courses in sustainability, ecological economics, food and water security, and environmental law.
During this time, she also worked with Deloitte’s Sustainability & Climate Change team and joined the early-stage climate-tech startup Trace | Certified B Corp™ as their fifth employee.
According to her LinkedIn profile, she was working as a full-time Client Success Manager at Lever Talent. She had joined the Boston, Massachusetts-based company only three months ago (June 2026).
In Case You Don’t Know
- Hagg had volunteered with Ronald McDonald House Charities (2013–2016), Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity (2015–2017), and Special Olympics Iowa.
- She worked as a Financial Analyst at Rockwell Collins from August 2016 to July 2018.
- The cause of Rachel’s sudden demise has not been revealed.
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Aditi is an avid music lover whose interest's goes beyond the realm of music, with passion in digital marketing. A Gen Z who loves her personal space and is keen to exploring new things. An optimist who seeks silver lining in every circumstances life throws at her.
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