Current:Home > MyOlympian Madeline Musselman Honors Husband Pat Woepse After Fatal Cancer Battle -ProfitClass
Olympian Madeline Musselman Honors Husband Pat Woepse After Fatal Cancer Battle
View
Date:2025-04-21 09:17:37
Madeline Musselman is remembering her late husband.
Less than a month after the Olympian shared her husband Pat Woepse had died at 31 following a battle with a rare form of cancer called NUT carcinoma, she joined family and friends to celebrate his life at an outing to Newport Beach, Calif.
In addition to a church service, Pat's loved ones honored him with an ocean swim as a tribute to the late UCLA water polo player, who once swam across the English Channel.
"All for you, Pat. All for you," Madeline captioned a Nov. 3 Instagram video. "We love you and miss you. We can do hard things. PW FOREVER."
The 26-year-old—who won gold with her water polo team at the 2020 Tokyo and 2016 Rio Olympics—first shared the news of Pat's passing on Oct. 10.
"No words to describe the ache of missing him" she wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of the two on the beach. "He was the light of my life and my person. He was my first love and the best husband I could have ever asked for."
She added, "And although it feels heavy and I can't breathe as I sit here typing this out, he is no longer in pain and was so at peace during his last moments. He battled one of the most rare cancers for over a year, never complained, and fought harder than anyone should have to fight for something in their life."
But he'll always be in her heart.
"I love you so much babe," she said. "I will be missing you forever."
Madeline and Pat first met in 2022 and married in October 2023, shortly after learning about his cancer diagnosis.
"All the people that came together to make it happen within four days," Madeline recalled to NBCLos Angeles in August, "it was pretty crazy. We had flowers. We had a church that welcomed us with open arms to marry us. It was just a perfect weekend."
Pat had previously shared that despite his health and the chemotherapy treatments he was undergoing, he was determined to watch his wife compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics—and he did.
"This was my biggest goal, with everything being so unknown," he told NBC. "So pretty emotional, emotional day for me. Couldn't be more thrilled to be here to support Maddie and the team.
And while the couple wanted to keep many aspects of their lives private, the athletes shared their hope that by being open about their story they could be an inspiration to others dealing with difficult situations.
"We're sharing our story not for people to feel sorry for us or feel bad for what we're going through," Madeline said. "If anything it's for inspiration and that you can get to the other side of things With the people that are right next to you, we hope for that."
(E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (9851)
Related
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- If You’re Tired of Pulling up Your Leggings, These 14 Pairs Are Squat-Proof According to Reviewers
- With Extreme Fires Burning, Forest Service Stops 'Good Fires' Too
- Satellite Photos Show Louisiana Coast Is Still Dealing With Major Flooding Post-Ida
- Mega Millions winning numbers for August 6 drawing: Jackpot climbs to $398 million
- Drugs rain down on countryside after French fighter jet intercepts tourist plane
- Enough With The Climate Jargon: Scientists Aim For Clearer Messages On Global Warming
- Enough With The Climate Jargon: Scientists Aim For Clearer Messages On Global Warming
- IOC's decision to separate speed climbing from other disciplines paying off
- Estonia becomes first ex-Soviet country to legalize same-sex marriage
Ranking
- Tropical weather brings record rainfall. Experts share how to stay safe in floods.
- New Orleans Levees Passed Hurricane Ida's Test, But Some Suburbs Flooded
- Canadian wildfire maps show where fires continue to burn across Quebec, Ontario and other provinces
- Shop the Best Personalized Jewelry for Mother's Day
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- How Marlon Wayans Is Healing Days After His Dad Howell Wayans' Death
- Robert Downey Jr. Shares Marvelously Rare Glimpse of His 3 Kids During Birthday Celebration
- Sophie Turner Calls Out Ozempic Weight-Loss Ads
Recommendation
A steeplechase record at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Then a proposal. (He said yes.)
The Federal Government Sells Flood-Prone Homes To Often Unsuspecting Buyers, NPR Finds
Thai police wrap up probe of suspected cyanide serial killer: Even Jack the Ripper ... did not kill this many
Without Enough Water To Go Around, Farmers In California Are Exhausting Aquifers
Euphoria's Hunter Schafer Says Ex Dominic Fike Cheated on Her Before Breakup
See Gossip Girl Alum Taylor Momsen's OMG-Worthy Return to the Steps of the Met
Aerial Photos Show A Miles-Long Black Slick In Water Near A Gulf Oil Rig After Ida
Beijing's record high temperatures prompt authorities to urge people to limit time outdoors