Beloved Coach Dies In Tragic Accident - Family Mourns

Such heartbreaking news.

The NC State community is grieving the devastating loss of former swimming and diving coach and Wolfpack alum Jack Roney, who died earlier this week in what has been described by his family and others as “a tragic accident” at just 39 years old.

While very few details surrounding the circumstances of his death have been made public, per Us Weekly and others, the heartbreaking news has prompted an outpouring of love from friends, family members, former colleagues, and those whose lives he touched over the years.

According to a public statement shared by his friend Jonathan Wall, Jack passed away back on Sunday in what he called “a tragic accident.” No additional information about the cause of death has been released publicly.

NC State also honored the late coach in a statement shared on social media, writing:

“We mourn the passing of former assistant coach and Wolfpack alumnus Jack Roney. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roney family during this difficult time. His impact on our program and community will be remembered.”

What makes this loss feel even more devastating is the timing. Jack had just celebrated his 15th wedding anniversary with his wife, Maresa, only days before his passing. Together, the couple built a beautiful family with their five children (all pictured above, via an online fundraising campaign): Gunnar, Scout, Beau, Archer, and Crew.

A GoFundMe campaign organized to support the family paints a moving picture of the man so many are mourning, saying:

“Just days after celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary, Maresa lost her husband, Jack Roney. Jack was a true Wolfpacker, a man of Christ, and a beloved father, friend, and husband. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, and the love he shared with his family and community.”

Jack’s loved ones have also begun sharing deeply personal tributes on Facebook as they try to process the unimaginable loss.

His sister, Amber Roney Moore, reflected on the kind of brother he was, writing:

“You never sought attention or conflict. You treated everyone with kindness, and because of that everyone loved you. You were strong in every sense of the word… mentally, physically, and spiritually. A record holding swimmer, an example of discipline and perseverance.”

She also looked back on their shared love of swimming and the encouragement he always gave her throughout their lives together:

“We all loved watching you swim, watching you race. I looked up to you so much as a swimmer myself but I was never going to be as good as you! You watched every one of my races that you could. I remember one specifically you hugged me as I cried after I lost a race. You were always there for me, as kids and adults.”

Amber also noted publicly that Jack was incredibly involved in the lives of his five children, describing him as someone who was always present for his family.

She concluded her emotional tribute by writing:

“I don’t know how the Roney family moves forward without its rock, without its glue. I will never be the same because of losing you but I will always be better because I had you as my brother. I love you with everything I have. Thank you for being the best big brother I could have ever asked for.”

Another of Jack’s sisters, Katie Roney Corum, also shared her grief in a Facebook post, describing the tragedy as simply too overwhelming to fully express:

“He was an amazing man who loved his wife and kids more than anything in this world. They were everything to him, and anyone who knew him knew how fiercely he loved his family.”

Katie also asked friends and supporters to keep their extended family in their prayers as they navigate the painful days ahead.

Meanwhile, the GoFundMe campaign explains just how dramatically life has changed for Maresa and the couple’s children following Jack’s sudden death:

“His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, and the love he shared with his family and community. Now, Maresa faces the unimaginable challenge of raising her children alone. The loss of Jack has left a void in their lives, and the family is navigating a new reality without his guidance and support. As Maresa works to provide for her children, she needs help with daily expenses, childcare, and ensuring her kids have the opportunity to pursue their education and dreams.”

It is clear from the tributes shared publicly that Jack will be remembered not only for his accomplishments in and around the pool, but also for the husband, father, brother, mentor, and friend so many knew him to be.

Our hearts are with Maresa, their five children, and everyone who knew and loved Jack during this incredibly difficult time. Such an unbelievably sad loss.

You can visit the GoFundMe page HERE.

[Image via GoFundMe]