An autopsy report has detailed the final moments of former North Carolina State swim coach Jack Roney, who died at the age of 39 over the Fourth of July weekend. Roney, an assistant coach at NC State from 2014-2016, passed away on July 5, weeks after celebrating his 15th wedding anniversary.
According to the autopsy report, Roney was practicing underwater breathing exercises at a community pool with his wife, Maresa, when the incident occurred. He submerged himself for over two minutes before surfacing for air and then submerging again. During this time, his wife stepped away to make a phone call. Upon returning approximately five minutes later, she found him unresponsive in the water.
First responders administered CPR to Roney, who was described as an avid swimmer, en route to the hospital. However, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The report noted that there were no indications of suicide, substance abuse, or foul play, and no trauma was observed. Law enforcement reviewed footage of the incident.
A statement from the medical examiner indicated Roney had a history of ADHD. He was last seen alive on the evening of July 5, 2026, when he and his wife visited their community pool after dinner. Emergency responders found him in pulseless electrical activity and continued resuscitation efforts for about an hour.
The NC State swimming and diving team announced his death on July 6, stating, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roney family during this difficult time. His impact on our program and community will be remembered."
Roney is survived by his wife, Maresa, and their five children: Gunnar, Scout, Beau, Archer, and Crew. He left NC State as the program record holder for the 200-yard breaststroke, a record that has since been broken. A GoFundMe page has been established to support his family with daily expenses, childcare, and educational needs.
