Obituary – Death – Cause of death News : The water polo community is mourning the loss of Pat Woepse, the husband of U.S. women’s water polo star Maddie Musselman, who passed away at the young age of 31 after battling a rare form of lung cancer. Woepse, a former water polo player at UCLA, was diagnosed with NUT carcinoma in September 2023 but remained determined to see his wife compete in her third Olympics, which she did over the summer in Paris.
Musselman, just 26 years old, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, expressing her devastation at the loss of her beloved husband. She described Woepse as the light of her life, her first love, and the best husband she could have ever asked for. Despite his battle with cancer, she admired his courage and strength, noting that he never complained and fought every day to be with his loved ones.
The couple, both former UCLA water polo players, met at a friend’s wedding in 2022, got married the following year, and faced the difficult journey of dealing with Woepse’s terminal diagnosis together. Despite the challenges, their love and commitment to each other remained unwavering.
Musselman, who won Olympic gold with Team USA in 2020 and 2016, spoke of the support and encouragement she received from her husband throughout her athletic career. Even during his illness, Woepse urged her to continue practicing and competing, showing his unwavering dedication to her success.
The water polo community, including Woepse’s former UCLA teammates, has come together to mourn his passing and celebrate his life. His legacy as a talented athlete and a loving husband will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Husband of Team USA water polo star Maddie Musselman dies at 31 – NBC Los Angeles
Who was Pat Woepse?
Pat Woepse was the husband of U.S. women’s water polo star Maddie Musselman. He was a former water polo player at UCLA and was diagnosed with NUT carcinoma, a rare form of lung cancer, in September 2023.
What was Woepse’s Determination?
Despite his diagnosis, Woepse was determined to see his wife compete in her third Olympics, which she did over the summer in Paris.
How did Maddie Musselman Describe her Husband’s Passing?
In an Instagram post, Maddie Musselman described her husband’s passing as heartbreaking and that he gained his angel wings surrounded by family. She expressed how he was the light of her life and her first love.
How Did Musselman Describe Woepse’s Battle with Cancer?
Musselman shared that her husband battled the rare cancer for over a year and never complained. She mentioned how he fought every day to be with them as long as he could and showed courage from day one.
What Achievements Did Woepse Have in Water Polo?
Woepse grew up in Southern California and helped the Bruins win back-to-back national titles in 2014 and 2015. His teammates visited him in the hospital when the 2014 UCLA team celebrated its 10th anniversary.
How Did Musselman and Woepse Meet?
The two Bruin water polo players met at a friend’s wedding in 2022. They got married the following year after learning about Woepse’s diagnosis.
What Were the Challenges Musselman Faced Between Being with Woepse and Her Team?
Musselman shared that there were times when she felt torn between being with her ailing husband and practicing with her team. Despite this, Woepse’s support for her never wavered.
What Were Musselman’s Achievements in Water Polo?
Musselman and Team USA won Olympic gold in 2020 and 2016. However, the team lost out in the bronze medal game in Paris.
Sources: Instagram Post
Sources: NBC Los Angeles