SwimSwam’s thoughts and condolences go out to the Miller family and the Normal swimming community for their tragic loss.
Four-Time Illinois State Champion, high school swimmer, and University of Louisville commit Jake Miller has died, multiple sources have reported to SwimSwam.
Miller won the 2013-2014 Illinois High School State Championships in the 200 IM, 500 free, and was on the winning Normal-University High 200 free relay and 400 free relays as part of University High’s overall team state championship.
Miller was also a member of the Redbird Swim Club. He was one of the first swimmers in the class of 2015 to make his college decision, committing back in July.
Update: With permission from Miller’s family, the local schools superintendent confirmed to the Bloomington Pantagraph that Miller’s death was a suicide. Read that story here.
It’s been five years already. I keep thinking about what could’ve been.
I am from the other side of the world but Jake’s story has touched many here also. What a tragic loss not only to his family and to the swimming world, but to anyone who had been or would have been lucky enough to know him. We have our New Zealand Masters Games in a few weeks and I will be thinking of him when I swim.
This could have been me once. Tough it out, kids.
My last 10-15 years have been great, fun, disappointing, tedious, inspiring, frustrating, and educational. Ups and downs, I am so thankful for them. Depression still gets the better of me sometimes, but I’ve found ways to work with it. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help, no matter what. IT IS POSSIBLE TO LIVE WELL WITH DEPRESSION.
I’ll pray for solace for the Millers and everyone who knew Jake. Please honor him by taking care of yourself.
On behalf of the Schopen family, the McHenry Marlins and the McHenry Warriors High School team we want to say how heartbreaking this newsis to all of us. Earlier this season, I was talking with another parent about how awesome it was to watch Jake swim at state. I hope they have a moment of silence for Jake at State this year. Our condolences to the the Miller Family and everyone on Jake’s high school and ISI teams.
The Miller family would like to invite everyone to a “Celebration of Life” for Jake
Tuesday January 6 at 1:00 pm
Eastview Christian Church
1500 Airport Rd..
Normal Il. 61761
Friend of Family – thanks for sharing. We’ll make sure our audience sees.
The comments about what a solid and wonderful person this young man was are very poignant. Sounds like he had a very rich and full life, and I won’t let his manner of death define his life for me. Depression was an illness he had, not his sole defining characteristic. My condolences to all his family, teammates and friends on here; your comments are a strong testament to his amazing life. For what it’s worth, I’ll pas this on, as someone having been through this: For any of you close to him who are doubting yourself in any way, the best suggestion I got was from a teenager: “Be gentle with yourself.”
Northside Aquatics Club sends our prayers and condolences to the family, Red Bird coaches and team members.
The D155/Cary Grove HS Swim Team sends our sympathy and prayers to the family, teammates and everyone whose life Jake Miller touched. We wish you strength and peace.