By CBS Los Angeles reports that USC water polo standout Jon Walters battled pneumonia and kidney failure before suffering a fatal heart attack on Wednesday. The 19-year-old rising star fell in to a coma on New Years Day, according to several reports, under circumstances that are still unknown.
News of Walters’s death stunned the American water polo community which has taken to social media to share its tributes and condolences, sampled below.
A moment of silence for 4xHS Champ NCAA champ and national team member Jon Walters. He died of a heart attack last night.
— Tony Azevedo (@WaterPoloTony) January 9, 2014
RIP Jon Walters. This photo is from our time together in Italy as part of the Jr National Team in… http://t.co/xzBP4ojW1Y
— John Abdou (@Coach_Abdou) January 9, 2014
Heavy hearts today as we hear of the passing of Jon Walters. Our thoughts & prayers go out to his family & all the people he touched. #RIP — Cal W Water Polo (@CalWWPolo) January 9, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Jon Walters
— USA Water Polo (@USAWP) January 9, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Walters family! You were a great kid and will be truly missed! Rest in peace Jon!
— CDM Aquatics (@cdmaquatics) January 9, 2014
Prayers go out to former Mater Dei water polo player Jon Walters’ family. Jon passed away earlier today – Loved that kid! Amazing person
— OLu Water Polo (@OLuWaterPolo) January 9, 2014
We are heartbroken & saddened w/news. Our Trojan family has lost a special member today. We will remember & love you forever Jon Walters✌
— USC Water Polo (@USCWaterPolo) January 9, 2014
razbso associatedThoughts & prayers to the family of Jon Walters, Jovan Vavic & the USC Trojan Waterpolo family. Our condolences, The Ashby Family.