Former college swimming coach Jack Roney died suddenly at the age of 39 in a ‘tragic accident’ over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Roney, who was the former assistant coach of the North Carolina State swim team, passed away on Sunday just weeks after his 15th wedding anniversary.
The school’s swimming and diving team announced the tragic news in a social media post on Monday, saying: ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roney family during this difficult time. His impact on our program and community will be remembered.’
Roney is survived by his wife, Maresa, and their five children, Gunnar, Scout, Beau, Archer and Crew.
No cause of death has been released to the public at this time. However, Roney’s close friend, Jonathan Wall, shared on social media that he had died in a ‘tragic accident.’ No further details were disclosed.
‘I lost a dear friend Sunday, [Jack Roney], in a tragic accident. He was an incredible person, avid weather nerd, loved life and his family,’ Wall, a fellow former Wolfpack alumnus, wrote.
Former college swimming coach Jack Roney died suddenly at the age of 39
He is survived by wife Maresa and their five children, Gunnar, Scout, Beau, Archer and Crew
Wall also shared a link to a GoFundMe page, which has been set up to support Roney’s wife and family through this heartbreaking time.
‘Just days after celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary, Maresa lost her husband, Jack Roney,’ the page read.
‘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.
‘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.
‘Jack and Maresa have always been there for others, offering friendship, kindness, and support. In this difficult time, we have the chance to give back and show our love for this incredible family. Your generosity will help Maresa and her children find hope and stability as they move forward, always honoring their husband and father. Please consider supporting them and sharing this fundraiser with others who care.’
The fundraiser had raised just over $95,000 at the time of writing.
Roney’s sister, Amber Moore, shared an emotional tribute to her late brother in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
‘My brother…how are you gone? How is this real?,’ she wrote. ‘You were the glue to your family and the glue to ours. How are we supposed to move forward without you? Every single day, you worked to become a better man. So few people live with that kind of purpose, but you did. You were never satisfied with standing still. You wanted to be the best version of yourself every day. To me, you were perfect!!!!’
The former NC State swimmer passed away in a ‘tragic accident’ over the holiday weekend
She added: ‘You leave behind the strongest woman I know and 5 children that we absolutely adore. My heart breaks for them. You were so present in their lives…they were never without. You made life so fun and full for them.’
Roney’s other sister, Katie Corum, also paid tribute on social media, saying her brother ‘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.’
‘Grief is the price we pay for loving someone so deeply,’ she continued. ‘Right now, this pain feels never ending, but it also reminds us just how lucky we were to have had Jack in our lives. His absence leaves a hole in our hearts that can never be filled, but the love he gave and the memories he leaves behind will stay with us forever.’
He left NC State as the program record holder for the 200-yard breaststroke – his record has since been broken – and served as an assistant coach during the 2014-16 seasons, according to Herald Online.
During his time with the Wolfpack, Roney trained alongside would-be Olympians Cullen Jones and Dan Velez.
Head coach and NC State alumnus Braden Holloway said on social media that Roney was someone who ‘meant a lot to me personally.’
‘He was my volunteer coach the first year we won the men’s ACC title after I came back to N.C. State – a year I will never forget,’ Holloway wrote. ‘From that season on, we stayed close friends. Jack cared deeply, showed up for people, and brought steady love and belief into every room he entered. His legacy will live on through Maresa, their children, his teammates, his friends, and everyone lucky enough to know him.’
