Former UNCW coach Marc Ellington passes away

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Former UNCW swimming and diving coach Marc Ellington passed away on Tuesday. Former UNCW swimming head coach Dave Allen posted a condolence note on Facebook on Wednesday. Ellington joined the UNCW swimming and diving program in 1982. 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of long time diving coach Marc Ellington. Here is the announcement that Coach Allen sent out today:

It is with a heavy heart that I write you this e-mail.

I need to inform you that sometime mid-afternoon yesterday, Tuesday, June 7, Coach Marc Ellington passed away. Marc as we all will remember was a Coach, Educator, and Friend to all of us. Who can ever forget his big warm smile and the life of the party entrance into a room.

The actual cause of death has not been determined as of this e-mail, but we are all aware of his struggles with depression the past 6-7 years, which drained a lot of the energy and vivacious spirit from him.

I wish to remember Marc as the wide open, free spirited individual who would totally take over a room when he entered. He was not only a member of our coaching staff for 30 years, but he was a good friend who loved his teams and OUR University. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and really cared about people. I think it is safe to say that he had a really big heart!

I hope all of you will find, like I have, that as I think about Marc and all the times we have spent together, I find myself smiling and almost laughing at some of these memories. That was the beauty and joy of Marc. He brought much happiness and joy into all of our lives. We are all better people today for having had Marc Ellington as our friend.

Arrangements have not been finalized at this time, but I would ask all of you to keep Marc and his brother Greg and his family in your prayers.

Sincerely,
Dave