Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Eric Namesnik Obituary
Namesnik was critically injured in the Jan. 7 accident, caused by icy conditions in Pittsfield Township, according to USA Swimming. He had been in a medically induced coma to reduce swelling around his brain before he died at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.
The Spanish River graduate won silver medals in the 400-meter individual medley at the '92 Barcelona Games and four years later in Atlanta. He became the first American to swim under 4 minutes, 15 seconds in the four-stroke IM event and lowered the American record four times. He was ranked No. 1 in the world in 1991 and '93.
He also won a bronze medal in the 400 IM at the 1994 world championships, and two silvers at the 1991 world meet.
Namesnik was in his second season as a volunteer assistant coach at Eastern Michigan and was coaching with the Wolverine Aquatics Club.
Memories and Condolences
for Eric Namesnik
41 Entries
Sharon Wilhite White
December 19, 2024
I remember sitting in front of him in 8th grade history class and we would always talk and get told to shh. I had a bit of a crush on him. He was just so nice we got along great we just didn't hang out in the same circles.
I remember hearing about his Olympic achievements and thinking WOW!, he did it!! He loved swimming he talked about it all the time. He was the type of kid that you just knew he was going to be a winner. He was beautiful inside and out.
Im so sorry my deepest sympathy to the family. They must be great because he was great.
Ed Friedlander
August 5, 2020
Eric, you would have been fifty years old tomorrow. You were one of the world's greatest swimmers; I simply competed at the local club level, but I loved it. We never met, but I will always remember watching you in the Olympics. People like you are an inspiration to us all.
Sherry Magnusson
August 17, 2012
To Leesa. Hi Leesa, this is Sherry Magnusson. I am so sorry to hear about your brother. He sounds like he was a wonderful person, son, brother, father, athlete, husband...the whole package. I'm living in Arizona and Jay is living in Colorado still. I see you are married. That is wonderful. If you'd like to catch up, send me a message on Facebook. I'm listed as "Sherry Mag". Peace.
David McGeorge
January 29, 2006
To all of Erik's family and friends: I was shocked to learn of Erik's death. I also swam YMCA in Pennsylvania's Western District (for the Bellefonte Y), and he was always someone to look up to, with his speed and the way he handled himself on-deck. But conveniently - since I am almost exactly two years younger than him, he was never in the same age-group as me, so I didnt have to wory about racing him! I am so sorry....he was a true hero.
Paul Gilchrist
January 20, 2006
Namesnik Family,
It was fantastic to watch Eric represent USA in the Olympics. I routed for him all the way. Eric was a superb swimmer who exemplified athleticism, stamina, and leadership. Paul Gilchrist
Marie (Czzowitz) Collins
January 19, 2006
Namesnick family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Eric he was such an inspiration to everyone who knew him. I had the honor of knowing him from BHS swim team and he was always making us laugh on the way home from our meets. He will be missed dearly and you will be in my thought and prayers.
Chris Hartung
January 18, 2006
Dear Namesnik family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and I am sorry for your loss. It was an honor to swim with Eric all those years, what great memories. Those memories will never be forgotten.
Chris Hartung and family
Bill & Sue Curzi
January 17, 2006
John, Kay and family,
We were deeply saddedned to read the news of Eric. Although we never met him, we enjoyed watching him swim at the BHS swim meets and the Olympics. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill and Shirley Eury;
January 17, 2006
Dear John, Kay and Family,
Bill and I have all of you in our prayers and thoughts. May God bless all of you in your time of sorrow.
Stan and Donna Caraher
January 17, 2006
A very sad loss. Remember the Y Nationals in Flordia and on the return flight when Jennifer [our daughter] sent a note to the flight deck and the flight crew anounced that Eric won nationals. He was a great person
Richard & Joyce Acquaviva
January 17, 2006
John & Kay,
Richard & I want to extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to you. We tried to follow Eric through out his career.He was a son to be very proud of. God will take special care.
Paul & Maria Worst & Martonik Family Worst
January 16, 2006
Dear Namesnik Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I am so sorry that I missed seeing the funeral date. God Bless
In Prayer,
Paul & Maria (Martonik and family
Kym Eury Allen
January 16, 2006
Dear Namesnik:
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Maxine Fisher
January 16, 2006
Leesa and Jeff,
We were so saddened to hear the news about Eric. What a legacy he has left behind. Please know that we will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Don and Maxine Fisher
Larry McElwain
January 16, 2006
To the Namesnik Family
I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Although I had never met Eric personally and as a former Butlerite,and father of swimming sons,I felt as though I knew him. In the 80's I followed his age group times in the Eagle and had the proud pleasure to see him win the IM at Y'Nationals in Orlando.It was always evident that he was special.I had lost track of him in recent years but never forgot him. God bless each of you and be assured that he made many people proud!.
Carol Murin
January 16, 2006
Kay, John and Leesa - You have my most heartfelt sympathy. I remember how proud we at Nationwide Insurance and Butler were when Eric swam in the Olympics . He represented the best of what Butler and America has to offer. I am mourning with you and keep you all in my prayers.
Frank Smith
January 16, 2006
My prayers to the entire Namesnik family. I am so sorry for your loss.
God Bless.
Connie Schultz
January 15, 2006
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Audra Brown (Phillips)
January 15, 2006
To a special family,
Eric was a wonderful friend and had a wonderful personality. I remember the bus rides to meets and on the way he would motivate himself and the way home he was always making us laugh. His letters when he moved away showed his love and caring heart for his friends and family. You are all in my prayers.
Kathy Enright
January 15, 2006
To the entire Namesnik family...
My deepest sympathy to you all, at this time of profound loss and sorrow. His was truly a life well lived and one that was cut so tragically short. May you find comfort in your memories and in one another. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wendy Hartung
January 15, 2006
Dear Friends
I will never forget the fun we had sitting at the window at the Y. OR all the other times. I remember Chris drying Eric with his hair dryer because Eric forgot his towel.
Eric went on to be a great success. I know you were proud. Enjoy the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless. Wendy
Rita Yasinsky
January 14, 2006
Love and prayers,
Rita Yasinsky
Heidi (Kurtz) Friel
January 14, 2006
Leesa, Jeff, Mr & Mrs Namesnik, Kirsten & Kids,
I am so sorry about the loss of Eric. I was always proud to say I was on the swim team with him, and I can only imagine how proud you all must be of how he grew up. He certainly went above and beyond in everything. My memories of Eric will forever be good. Not only was he so fun to watch, but he was always funny on the bus rides to and from meets. My family and I will keep you all in our prayers for a long time. Please take some comfort in knowing how many of us will be thinking of you and praying for you.
Kathy (Orth) Vargo
January 14, 2006
To the Namesnik Family: Thinking of you in your hour of sorrow,and extending heartfelt sympathy.
Kelly (Bayer) Calhoun
January 14, 2006
Dear Namesnik Family,
My deepest sympathy to you all. I did not have the pleasure of knowing Eric, but do remember his smiling face in the halls of Butler High and I am sure that I shared a class room or two with him over those years. I have read most of the entries on the carepages and I'm in awe of the outpouring of support and love. I can only imagine how proud you all are of Eric. My heart aches for a family that I do not know. May God surround you all with his love and give you the strength to carry on in your daily lives in memory of Eric.
Diane & Jim Ellis
January 14, 2006
Kay and John: We are very sorry to hear about your son's death. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Bill Manganaro
January 14, 2006
Dear Namesnik Family,
I am overwhelmed by this tragedy and loss. I have never seen parents so committed to their son and daughter. Your love for Eric was evident in all that you did. His success in life was a tribute to that love. I only spent a few years with Eric, swimming at the Butler YMCA, but during those years we had a family there. Pump and Eric were the heart of that family. I will never forget your friendship. God bless you and your family.
Bill
Michael & Margie Balog
January 14, 2006
Kay,John & family,
We cannot imagine the sorry you must have. You have our deepest sympathy in the death of Eric. We will keep him and his family in our prayers.
emma&terry foringer
January 14, 2006
our thoughts and prayers are with you,Eric will be in your thoughts and hreats forever may god be with you all
Bonnie Brereton
January 14, 2006
I read the news in the Bangkok Post and was very saddened. I remember watching the Olympics, and as a Michigan fan cheering for Eric and feeling so thrilled at his success. My heart goes out to his family. I am at a loss of words, apart from my sadness and my empathy.
Darcy (Lawall) Davidson
January 14, 2006
Erics family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I only knew Eric,because my mom(Sherry Lawall) coached at BHS for a short while.Since I was in Seneca Valley all of BHS swimmers had a good time joking with me,but Eric never had a bad thing to say about anyone and I really liked him for that.My mom was so proud of him after both the olympics,she had to call everyone and ask if they had seen.She has since past away last year,but she was very proud to be a part of Erics coaching staff. God Speed to all
judy gregg-holden
January 13, 2006
Dear Leesa,
I can't express how sorry I was to hear about Eric . My sincere condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you -
Judy Gregg-Holden
Eric Wehr
January 13, 2006
Eric's Family
I am sorry for your loss. I know it is hard to deel with a loss of one you love. All we can do is ask God for comfort and remember that one day you all will be together in heaven
Kimberly Beedle
January 13, 2006
Leesa and Jeff,
I am so sorry for your loss, and that of your family. I remember watching Eric as he tried for the gold and how you used to talk about him when we worked together. I had had you on my mind lately, and as I became aware of Eric's tragedy I knew why my thoughts of you were so present. May God bless and keep you all.
MARGARET VANKIRK (ZIEGLER)
January 13, 2006
Dear Kay and family. It has been so long since we last saw your family.I can not tell you how sorry we are for your lost. It was such a shock. We will keep you and all your family in our prayers. Your father was so proud of Eric, now he can watch over him in heaven. Your cousin, Margaret Ziegler VanKirk and family.
Ruth Konar
January 13, 2006
KAY AND FAMILY, I AM DEEPLY SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. AM IN FLORIDA FOR THE WINTER MONTHS AND AM SORRY NOT TO BE ABLE TO MOURN YOUR LOSS IN PERSON. RUTHIE
Cindy Johnston
January 13, 2006
I cannot imigine the feeling for your loss, I didn't know Your Son, But I am sure You are very Proud of Him,
Your Family is in My Prayers
God Bless and Find the Strength to GO On>
TOM KATHY AND ZACH PINCEK
January 13, 2006
TO ERICS FAMILY,
WE ARE SORRY TO HEAR OF ERICS PASSING,YOU HAVE OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY.YOU WILL BE IN OUR THOUGHTS THROUGH THIS HARD TIME.
Phyllis Samuelson , Fennick
January 13, 2006
Will remember the great times at YMCA and the Swim meets. Will be greatly missed from all who knew and loved you. God Bless You! Phyllis,Marcy, Melissa Fennick.
Ted Janicki
January 13, 2006
I watch you in the Olympics and was proud to have a second cousin that was able to do what I could not do. As a BHS Swim Team Lettermen, I can understand the loss, this world will miss you. God Bless and Rest in Peace.
Charn Cuyno
January 12, 2006
Eric,
I still rememeber sitting right behind you in Psychology class our senior year at Spanish River. I have watched you during your Olympic successes, and am proud of you for your achievements. I will never forget you. Be at peace, my friend.
Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results
Make a Donation
in Eric Namesnik's name
How to support Eric's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Eric Namesnik's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more