Jan. 9, 2014
Huntington Beach, CA - January 9 - The water polo community is in mourning over the passing of USC freshman and National Team athlete Jon Walters yesterday as the result of a heart attack. A former member of the Junior and Youth National Teams and in the training pool for the Senior National Team, Walters helped the USC Men's Water Polo Team to an NCAA Championship in 2013. A two-time CIF champion while at Mater Dei High School, Walters was named 2012 CIF Player of the Year. This past summer Walters helped the United Water Polo Club to a gold medal at the 2013 Junior Olympics.
"We at USA Water Polo are saddened to learn of the passing of Jon Walters. It is tragic. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all who were touched by him," said Christopher Ramsey, USA Water Polo CEO.
"I am very sad to hear about the passing of Jon Walters. He was with our training group this summer and showed some huge potential for the future. This is a real tragedy and my thoughts are with his family and friends at this time," said Dejan Udovicic, Men's Senior National Team Head Coach.
On USCTrojans.com, Men's Head Water Polo Coach Jovan Vavic offered the following statement:
"Jon was a great Trojan, and an outstanding young man from a wonderful family. He and his family were loved by all of us on the USC water polo team. I am deeply saddened, and I speak for our team in saying that this is a terrible loss of a friend and teammate. Our prayers go out to Jon's family in hopes that they find comfort."
TotalWaterpolo.com also collected the thoughts of those in the water polo community, that can be seen by clicking here.
Dan Albano of the OC Register first reported the news of Walter's passing, his story is available by clicking here (subscription only). See below for a report from CBS News in Los Angeles.
