U.S. Women’s Water Polo Star Mourns Loss of Husband to Rare Form of Lung Cancer
Husband, Pat Woepse, Fought Rare Cancer for Over a Year
Pat Woepse, the husband of U.S. women’s water polo star Maddie Musselman, has passed away at the age of 31 due to a rare form of lung cancer, NUT carcinoma. He was diagnosed in September 2023 and had been battling the disease for over a year.
A Fighter’s Spirit
Woepse, a former water polo player at UCLA, was determined to see his wife compete in her third Olympics, which he did over the summer in Paris. Throughout his battle, he never complained and continued to support his wife and their love for the sport.
A True Love Story
Musselman, 26, Recall in an Instagram post that her husband died on October 10, 2024. She described him as her "first love" and "best husband she could have ever asked for." She wrote about his unwavering courage and support throughout his battle.
A Life of Water Polo
Musselman and Woepse met at a friend’s wedding in 2022 and married a year later. Woepse was a standout player at UCLA, helping 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 this month.
Quotes from Maddie Musselman
"Heartbroken. Patrick gained his angel wings last night 10/10/24 surrounded by family. No words to describe the ache of missing him. 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. He opened my heart up to what love is and looks like and I will forever do my best to love as hard as Patrick loved from this day forward. He was a true blessing from God."
"He fought harder than anyone should have to fight for something in their life. He fought every day to be here with us as long as he could. His courage was seen daily from Day 1."
Conclusion
The passing of Pat Woepse is a devastating loss for his family, friends, and the water polo community. His bravery and love will not be forgotten, as he inspired those around him with his unwavering courage and support.
FAQs
- What was Pat Woepse’s age at the time of his passing?
ans: 31 - What was the name of the rare form of lung cancer that Pat Woepse had?
ans: NUT carcinoma - How long did Pat Woepse battle the disease?
ans: Over a year - How did Pat Woepse support his wife, Maddie, in her water polo career?
ans: He never complained and continued to support her, even when she had to attend practices and games while he was undergoing treatment.
