Former North Carolina State swimmer and assistant coach Jack Roney died suddenly at age 39 after what a close friend described as a “tragic accident” over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Roney died Sunday, just weeks after celebrating his 15th wedding anniversary with his wife, Maresa. The exact nature of the accident and an official cause of death have not been publicly disclosed.
NC State’s swimming and diving program confirmed his death Monday, sharing a tribute to the former Wolfpack standout and coach.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roney family during this difficult time,” the team wrote on social media. “His impact on our program and community will be remembered.”
Roney is survived by Maresa and their five children, Gunnar, Scout, Beau, Archer and Crew.
His close friend Jonathan Wall, a fellow former Wolfpack alumnus, said Roney’s death followed a tragic accident, though he did not reveal any further details.
“I lost a dear friend Sunday, [Jack Roney], in a tragic accident,” Wall wrote on social media. “He was an incredible person, avid weather nerd, loved life and his family.”
Wall also shared a GoFundMe created to support Roney’s wife and children as they cope with the devastating loss.
“Just days after celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary, Maresa lost her husband, Jack Roney,” the fundraiser read.
The page remembered Roney as a “true Wolfpacker,” a devoted Christian and a beloved father, husband and friend who made a lasting difference in the lives of those around him.
“His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, and the love he shared with his family and community,” organizers wrote.
The fundraiser said Maresa now faces the overwhelming responsibility of raising their five children without her husband’s support and guidance. Donations are expected to help with childcare, everyday living expenses and the children’s future education.
“Jack and Maresa have always been there for others, offering friendship, kindness, and support,” the page continued. “In this difficult time, we have the chance to give back and show our love for this incredible family.”
The fundraiser had raised more than $95,000 at the time of publication.
Roney’s sister Amber Moore shared a heartbreaking tribute Tuesday, writing that her brother had been the person who held both his immediate and extended families together.
“My brother…how are you gone? How is this real?” she wrote on Facebook. “You were the glue to your family and the glue to ours. How are we supposed to move forward without you?”
Moore said Roney spent his life constantly trying to grow into a better man and never stopped pushing himself to improve.
“Every single day, you worked to become a better man,” she wrote. “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!!!!”
She also reflected on the enormous loss facing his wife and children.
“You leave behind the strongest woman I know and 5 children that we absolutely adore,” Moore wrote. “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 honored him in an emotional social media post, describing him as a devoted family man.
“He was an amazing man who loved his wife and kids more than anything in this world,” Corum wrote. “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.”
Corum said the family would carry Roney’s love and memories with them even as they struggled with a loss that had left an irreplaceable void.
Before becoming a coach, Roney made his mark as a swimmer at NC State. He once held the program record in the 200-yard breaststroke, though the record was later broken.
He also trained alongside future Olympians Cullen Jones and Dan Velez before returning to the Wolfpack as an assistant coach from 2014 to 2016, according to the Herald Online.
NC State head coach and alumnus Braden Holloway said Roney played an important role during one of the defining seasons of his career.
“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.
The pair remained close friends after that championship season, and Holloway said Roney was known for consistently supporting the people around him.
“Jack cared deeply, showed up for people, and brought steady love and belief into every room he entered,” Holloway wrote. “His legacy will live on through Maresa, their children, his teammates, his friends, and everyone lucky enough to know him.”
