John Paul Popovich, a former swimmer at Dominion High School in Sterling, Virginia, has passed away. Popovich, who was 19, passed away in his sleep while at home on Winter Break from attending the University of Virginia. An autopsy revealed Popovich died of ‘cardiac arrest by natural causes, possibly related to occasional seizures the young man was known to experience.’
Popovich (“JP”) competed for Dominion High School swim team, where he was a team captain of the Titans. As a member of his school’s team, Popovich set the Virginia Class 4A state record in the men’s 200m IM (1:54.10) in February of this year, earned runner-up in the men’s 500y freestyle and was honored with a spot on the Dominion Titans’ Wall of Fame for his feats in the pool. At the club level, Popovich had a long-standing career at SNOW Swimming. He also coached for and swam for the Rivercrest Riptide of the Old Dominion Swim League, a local summer league.
Out of the pool, young Popovich served as a volunteer with Special Olympics, tutored fellow classmates, as well as volunteered for a local Congressional campaign. Popovich was an active member of the University of Virginia student body as well. While attending the school as a non-athlete, Popovich was part of the American Medical Student Association and the Alexander Hamilton Society.
Of his son’s passing, John’s father stated, “We had absolutely no idea how much he touched other people’s lives, from his friends at Dominion to the people he met at UVA. He was a good, decent human being, a very modest person, a respectful young man. He accomplished a lot, but you would never know it. Always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. He also had a mischievous side, loved a good practical joke.”
His father continued, “I’ve seen it over and over and over again, from Facebook to Instagram to people coming up to me and saying how he was such a good kid.”
Speaking of the impact swimming had on his son’s overall character, John’s father expressed, “After his academic career, swimming was the most important thing in his life. It taught him focus, discipline, the concept of team. I’d say nearly all his friendships were forged by people he’d spent literally thousands of hours at the swimming pool with.”
A memorial service for John Paul Popovich will be held at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Sterling, Virginia at 11am on December 28th. SNOW Swimming has organized the J.P. Popovich Memorial Scholarship Fund to assist with expenses for local swims wanting to learn how to swim. In lieu of flowers, the family reqeusts donations be directed there. More information on the fund can be found here.
John Paul Popovich’s Obituary
Notification to University of Virginia students by Dean of Students
SNOW Swimming’s website message
I know I speak for a large portion of the swimming community when I say “Prayers for the Popovich family” ! I don’t personally know your son, but can relate to your comments about the impact swimming has had on my son as well. #GOMAD (Go Out & Make A Difference) – It sounds that John Paul Popovich did just that.
There are not words to describe how special JP was. Mature & wise beyond his years. Amazing family that is an inspiration and example to all. Hearts broken all throughout PVS. Our prayers are with you John & Kelly.
Wow. Extremely sad. As their family and friends will go through the holidays, I offer condolences to them and wish them the best.
All deaths are tragic, but especially those of the young. May he rest in peace, and may his family find solace in the fact that their son touched so many lives.
Very sad. May he rest in peace and prayers out to his family on this Christmas Eve.
Good speed….Too young to die