Former NC State Swimmer, Assistant Coach Jack Roney Dies at 39

Jack Roney, a former NC State Swimmer turned assistant coach, has died at the age of 39, just weeks before his 40th birthday, and days after his 15th wedding anniversary. The cause of death has not been announced.

The university shared the news of Roney’s passing on Instagram, saying that his “impact on our program and community will be remembered.”

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.

Roney, who graduated from NC State in 2009, leaving the program as the school record holder in the 200 backstroke, served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Wolfpack from 2014-2016.

His wife, Maresa Roney also attended NC State from 2006-2010, where she was a member of the swimming program, and earned a degree in biological sciences. Together, the two have five children.

Head coach Braden Holloway shared a heartfelt post, calling Roney a “great friend” and someone who “meant a lot to me personally.”

Heartbroken over the passing of a great friend, Jack Roney.
Jack was one of those rare people who made everyone around him better. He was an incredible friend, a devoted husband to Maresa, and an amazing dad to their five young children. He lived with kindness, loyalty, trust, and a deep love for his family….and a deep love for Wolfpack Sports!
Jack was also a proud Wolfpack swimmer and 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 NC State — a year I will never forget. 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.
Please keep Maresa and the kids in your prayers and surround them with love in the days ahead. For those who feel led to support Maresa and the children, the GoFundMe link is in my bio.

According to a report from The News & Observer, a GoFundMe has been set up for the family to help with daily expenses, childcare, and education needs for the children of Roney, with an initial goal off $190,000, it currently sits at just under $150,000.