The 22-year-old Spaniard, who was an elite US collegiate player at Iowa State and had won the European Ladies Amateur Championship just two months ago, was found dead on a golf course after going out for a round on her own.
Barquin won the Ladies Amateur by a single stroke in a week where she shot a course record nine under par round of 63.
She had competed in this year’s US Women’s Open and was due to play in the 2019 Women’s British Open.
Barquin was destined for the top according to the Spanish Golf Federation and many players have expressed their sadness on social media, including 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia.
The fellow Spaniard met Celia and described her as a “special person”. One user, @JayKamin, posted an image of the pair.
Heartbroken over what happened to #CeliaBarquinArozamena I had the pleasure of meeting her and I know she was a special person. Sending my thoughts and prayers to her family and loved ones in this difficult time
10-time major champion Annika Sorenstam also met Celia after she won the Ladies European Amateur and posted a picture on Twitter with her.
Sorenstam offered condolences to her family and said “I can’t get this out of my mind! It’s just horrendous.”
I can’t get this out of my mind! It’s just horrendous. Our deepest condolences go to the family and many friends of Celia Barquin Arozamena. #RIPCelia 🙏 😢 @CycloneWGOLFpic.twitter.com/yBPPs0Ck6K
Five-time LET winner and three-time Solheim Cup player Azahara Munoz, a fellow Spaniard, also met Barquin and posted an image of the pair on social media.
Munoz wrote, “Waking up to the news that Celia won’t be around anymore is heartbreaking… You’ll never be forgotten Celia…. one day we’ll see each other again.”
The European Golf Association, which hosts the European Ladies Amateur Championship, described her as a “delightful young lady who inspired all who met her with her enthusiasm on golf and life”
The EGA is deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of friend, and recent European Ladies’ Amateur Champion, Celia Barquin Arozamena.
“Celia had an infectious smile, a bubbly personality and anyone fortunate enough to know her was blessed. Our Cyclone family mourns the tragic loss of Celia, a spectacular student-athlete and ISU ambassador.” – ISU Athletics Director Jamie Pollard
The Ladies European Tour will honour Celia at this week’s tournament in Spain with three separate minute silences including one during the opening round. Players will also be wearing black ribbons.
Friends pay their respects to Celia Barquín Arozamena @MeditLadiesOpen 🇪🇸
LET players will honour Celia with a minute’s silence during the speeches at this evenings function, during the Pro-Am prize giving presentations, at midday during the 1st round & wear black ribbons. pic.twitter.com/F3dNMWxlha