Late NC State Coach Jack Roney's Family Pays Tribute After 'Tragic Accident'

The family of late NC State swimming and diving coach Jack Roney shared their emotional tributes in the wake of his sudden death at 39.

Roney died on Sunday, July 5, just days after celebrating his 15th wedding anniversary with his wife, Maresa. The late coach's friend in Jonathan Wall said he died in "a tragic accident," though no further details about his death have been made publicly available.

"You never sought attention or conflict," Jack's sister, Amber Roney Moore, posted via Facebook on Tuesday, July 7. "You treated everyone with kindness, and because of that everyone loved you. You were strong in every sense of the word… mentally, physically, and spiritually. A record holding swimmer, an example of discipline and perseverance."

Amy added, "We all loved watching you swim, watching you race. I looked up to you so much as a swimmer myself but I was never going to be as good as you! You watched every one of my races that you could. I remember one specifically you hugged me as I cried after I lost a race. You were always there for me, as kids and adults."

Jack and Maresa shared five children - Gunnar, Scout, Beau, Archer and Crew - who Amy said her late brother was "so present in their lives."

"I don't know how the Roney family moves forward without its rock, without its glue," Amy concluded. "I will never be the same because of losing you but I will always be better because I had you as my brother. I love you with everything I have. Thank you for being the best big brother I could have ever asked for."

Jack's sister Katie Roney Corum called her brother's death "too heavy for words."

"He was an amazing man who loved his wife and kids more than anything in this world," she wrote via Facebook on Tuesday. "They were everything to him, and anyone who knew him knew how fiercely he loved his family."

Katie asked for "extra prayers" for her extended family during their time of grieving.

A GoFundMe organized in Jack's honor called him "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," the fundraiser reads. "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."

The fundraiser had earned more than $149,000 at the time of publication.

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This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 10:03 AM.