Lily Ernst Cause of Death: A Tragic Loss for the Swimming Community

Lily Ernst, a talented and compassionate swimmer at the University of Northern Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on July 27, 2022. She was 20 years old. The university did not release a cause of death, referring to it as a “sudden passing”. Ernst was a record-breaking butterfly specialist who also excelled in academics and social work. Her death has left a deep void in the hearts of her family, friends, teammates, and coaches.

A Champion in the Pool and Classroom

Ernst was a native of Iowa City, where she attended West High School and was a standout swimmer. She won multiple state titles and set school records in the 100 fly, 200 free, and 500 free events. She also helped her team win the state championship in 2019.

Ernst continued her swimming career at the University of Northern Iowa, where she made an immediate impact as a freshman. She placed second in the 200 fly at the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Championships in 2021, earning First-Team All-MVC honors. She also qualified for the NCAA Division I Championships, but could not compete due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a sophomore, Ernst broke the school record in the 200 fly, finishing in third place at the MVC Championships. She clocked a time of 2:00.64, breaking the previous record of 2:01.12 that had stood since 2009. She was also named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete Team, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA in social work and mental health. She was nominated for the UNI PEPSY Award for newcomer of the year and UNI Moment of the Year for her record-breaking performance.

A Passionate Advocate for Social Justice and Animal Welfare

Ernst was not only a star athlete, but also a caring and compassionate person who wanted to make a difference in the world. She was majoring in social work with a minor in mental health, and had a keen interest in women’s rights and human rights issues. She volunteered for the food bank and taught young children to swim.

Ernst also loved animals, especially dogs. She rescued her own dog, Wilson, from a shelter, and supported animal welfare causes. She had a memorial fund set up in her honor for mental health and animal shelter/rescue.

A Beloved Member of the Panther Family

Ernst’s sudden death has shocked and saddened the swimming community, especially her teammates and coaches at UNI. They described her as a kind, empathetic, and fierce competitor who cared deeply about everyone in her life.

“UNI has lost a beloved member of the Panther family with the sudden passing of Lily Ernst,” Director of Athletics David Harris said. “This loss is heartbreaking for our swimming and diving team, our athletic department and the entire UNI campus. We offer our deepest condolences to Lily’s family, teammates and friends”.

“Our team is incredibly saddened by the loss of Lily,” head swimming and diving coach Nick Lakin said. “Lily was so filled with kindness and compassion for other people. She was a ferocious competitor in the pool and classroom, but for those that knew her best she was extremely empathetic and cared deeply about everyone in her life. We will all miss her immensely and are praying for everyone that knew her”.

Ernst is survived by her parents, Kelly (Shan) Egan and Fran (Holly) Ernst; siblings, Lauren Ernst and Luke Ernst; step-siblings, Coleman Riss and Annie Riss; aunts and uncles, Nora (Gil) Gonzalez, Tony (Wendy) Ernst and Nick Ernst; grandparents, Rita Ernst and Jeanne Liston; many cousins. She was preceded in death by grandfather, Anthony Ernst, her aunts and uncles, Mary Ernst, Elle Grap, Ben Ernst and Ted Ernst and her cousin Lizzy Ernst.

A visitation for Ernst was held on Tuesday, August 2nd at Iowa City West High School. A funeral service for Ernst was scheduled for Wednesday, August 3rd at Iowa City West High School.

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