It has been a sad few days for the US water polo star, Madeline Musselman. In a recent heartbreaking update, the Olympian informed about the shocking and sudden demise of her husband, Patrick Woepse, who competed as a swimmer for UCLA. While Woepse and Musselman were spending a lovely married life together, their world turned upside down in September 2023. Woepse was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer, NUT carcinoma. With the writing clearly on the wall, there was just one final wish that Woepse needed to complete. Watching his beloved wife take centerstage in Paris, in what would be her third Olympics. 

Luckily for Woepse, he did live just long enough to cherish his wife and make a splash in the water at the French capital. Finally, the inevitable struck, and Musselman, via an update on Instagram, announced the news of her husband passing away on October 12. Woepse was just 31 years old at the time he left his earthly abode. Alongside the news, Musselman posted a picture of the duo walking hand in hand on a beach. Now, just days after the sombre announcement, the US Water Polo star had another news to share. This time, Musselman had a very special plea to her fans. 

Madeline Musselman reminisces about golden time spent with Patrick Woepse

Madeline Musselman wrote a long note to remember her husband’s sad departure. The athlete pointed out that the very first snap the couple took was in front of a sunset. Soon after their first date, wrapped in the warmth and beauty of nature, cherishing the sunrise and sunset became a favorite addition to their to-do list. Musselman also added that Woepse always asked her to find his presence within the mystical lights of sunrise and sunset if she ever missed him.

Now that Woepse is gone, Musselman would surely try to feel her husband’s presence, visiting the sunset and sunrise spots often. Continuing with her heartfelt note, the US Water Polo icon stated that her beloved Pat would now play around and paint the unending canvas of the sky with rich and beautiful colors. And with each time she remembers Pat, Musselman vowed to shed tears of joy for her husband, who went to the world of angels too soon. 

And along with all her memories, Musselman also had a pledge for all her fans. While it was a sure thing that Pat Woepse will be remembered by the Olympian forever, she also urged everyone to do the same. In her Instagram post, Musselman wrote, “I will forever be grateful for his family, friends and countless other people that will make sure that his legacy is carried forward. Pat, I will never stop loving you or thinking of you. I miss you so much. And to those who are reading this and have come to know Pat, I hope you never forget him either.” Musselman also stressed how her life would be post the demise of her husband. 

Speaking on the new journey, Musselman mentioned that it will be a very tough ask to process things alone. However, she also admitted to having felt Pat’s presence around her multiple times in the past few days. As a matter of fact, this is quite an expected phenomenon. Patrick Woepse loved his wife dearly. Despite suffering from a deadly disease, Woepse never tried to hold back Musselman for once. 

A lookback at Madeline Musselman’s fairytale love story

Patrick Woepse and Madeline Musselman initially crossed paths with each other back in January 2022. They met through one of Musselman’s teammates from the University of California, Kodi Hill. However, things did not move smoothly at first. Trying to contact Musselman on her number, the former UCLA swimmer saw his attempt for a conversation go to voicemail. However, as luck would have it, Musselman would ring him back, and things followed from there.

After Musselman’s triumphant outing at the 2022 worlds, the duo left for a vacation in Europe. This vacation was one of the main deciding factors for their short love story to bloom. Exploring each other and bonding over their shared love for water, the duo got engrossed in each other ever since then. But when Woepse had a bad cough that deteriorated while swimming the English Channel, the floor beneath their feet started to tremble. 

Getting to a doctor immediately, the horrific news was enough for the couple to decide to marry each other. Tying the knot in September 2023, Woepse was hell-bent on not letting his wife sacrifice her career. Reminiscing about how Woepse pushed her to compete in Paris, Musselman told NEWS CENTER Maine, “Pat from the beginning was like you’re not stopping playing water polo. I love watching you play.” Thus, with a lot to cherish about in their short but impactful love story, the sudden leaving of Pat Woepse has truly rattled the world of Madeline Musselman.