Source link : https://usa-news.biz/2024/10/15/sports/husband-of-team-usa-water-polo-star-maddie-musselman-dies-at-31-nbc-los-angeles/
Tragic Loss for U.S. Water Polo Star Maddie Musselman
The world of sports is mourning as Maddie Musselman, an esteemed player on the U.S. women’s water polo team, faces the deep sorrow of losing her husband, Pat Woepse, who passed away at just 31 years old due to a rare lung cancer known as NUT carcinoma.
Diagnosis and Determination
Woepse, a former UCLA water polo athlete, received his diagnosis in September 2023. Despite his illness, he was resolute in supporting his wife during her journey to compete in her third Olympic Games held in Paris over the summer.
A Heartfelt Farewell
Musselman took to Instagram Thursday to share the devastating news of her husband’s passing: “Heartbroken. Patrick gained his angel wings last night on October 10th surrounded by family,” she expressed alongside a touching image depicting them walking hand-in-hand along a shore. “Words cannot capture how much I miss him. He was my everything—my first love and an incredible husband who taught me what true love means. I vow to love as fiercely as Patrick did for all my days.” She emphasized that he had always been a profound blessing in her life.
Courage Against Adversity
The couple’s journey together included countless challenges; Musselman shared that Woepse fought valiantly against his rare condition for more than a year without complaint. “He battled harder than anyone should ever have to fight,” she noted. “Every single day was a testament to his bravery from Day One.”
A Legacy at UCLA
Originating from Southern California, Woepse played an integral role in leading the Bruins to national championships consecutively in 2014 and 2015. Some teammates paid tribute by visiting him recently while they celebrated their team’s tenth anniversary.
An Unbreakable Bond
Musselman and Woepse met at a friend’s wedding back in 2022 and soon tied the knot within just one year after discovering Woepse’s terminal prognosis.
“After Pat’s diagnosis hit us hard, we decided it was vital to marry without delay,” Musselman revealed prior to participating in the Olympics last year during an interview with NBCLA News. “It was astonishing how quickly friends rallied together within four days—flowers were arranged beautifully; we found a welcoming church eager to host our wedding—a truly idyllic weekend despite our circumstances.”
Navigating Love and Duty
Musselman’s dedication often placed her between two worlds—caring for her ill spouse while striving for excellence with Team USA—but she received unwavering support from Woepse throughout it all.
“There were moments when I felt torn about being present with him versus joining my practice sessions,” she recalled fondly of their dynamic relationship before noting Pat encouraged her saying ‘You need to go practice,’” confirming both their priorities remained intact even amidst adversity.
An Olympic Journey Cut Short
Musselman has achieved remarkable success with Team USA across previous Olympics —taking home gold medals not only during Rio 2016 but also Tokyo 2020; however this time around they faced disappointment missing out on bronze at Paris’ Games this past summer.
The post Husband of Team USA water polo star Maddie Musselman dies at 31 – NBC Los Angeles first appeared on USA NEWS.
Author : Jean-Pierre CHALLOT
Publish date : 2024-10-15 15:46:26
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