Case Western Reserve University and its men’s swimming program are mourning the loss of Emil LaSida.
The university, located in Cleveland, Ohio, announced in a press release on Wednesday that on Sept. 15, LaSida died at the age of 21. A cause of death wasn’t revealed.
Back in March at the NCAA Division III Championships, LaSida set a new school record in the 50 freestyle, swimming a time of 19.98 in a preliminary swim-off to qualify for the finals of that event. He became the first swimmer in school history to go sub-20 in the event.
LaSida ended up finishing 15th in the event in a time of 20.23.
“It was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen one of my athletes do,” Case Western Reserve head coach Doug Milliken said in the release regarding his performance in the swim-off. “He was just beaming. You could have seen his smile from a mile away.”
LaSida also owns two other school records in the 100 free (44.92, set in 2025 at the Spartan Invitational) and the 100 back (set in 2024 at the UAA Championships).
A native of Alexandria, Virginia, LaSida was a captain for the Alexandria City High School team, finishing third in the 100 back as a senior in 2022 at the Virginia State Championships.
LaSida was a computer engineering student at Case Western Reserve.
Several teammates paid tribute to LaSide in the release, including fellow freestyler Caeden Couch.
“Emil’s accomplishments speak for themselves, and they reflect his character, investment and dedication to swimming and discipline,” Couch said. “Every single person on the team looks up to Emil as a role model, big brother, and most of all, a friend.”
Milliken described LaSida as “one of those athletes that every coach would want.”
“He always worked hard, he had a great attitude and was a very respectful person,” Milliken said. “And then you couple that with the talent that he had, it was amazing.”
My condolences. Too soon RIP
Emil was a great guy to swim against. Even when he beat me (which was often) I couldn’t help but smile when I talked to him after the race. Watching him break 20 only a couple months ago was an awesome experience. My condolences to him and his family.
I feel so sad from this. My condolences.
Emil was one of the kindest and most respectable young man I’ve met through our swimming community. An exemplary swimmer and student who will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.
its wonderful to hear the impact that this young man on everyone, and a beautiful tribute to this life.
Emil was one of the kindest people I have ever met. You could tell that he truly cared about others, and was willing to set aside whatever he was doing to help. He will always be known as a great teammate and an even better friend. I hope he forever finds happiness.
sorry for your loss
As a fellow Titan alum, I am so sorry to hear of Emil’s passing. My condolences to his family, teammates, and friends.
He was my summer team coach/friend. I’m going to miss him he was one of the nicest, kindest people I’ve ever met, loved by everyone. I hope his family is doing okay. Rest in peace, Emil.