Micky Geller: Top water skier remembered for his 'empathy, passion, strength' as he dies at 18
LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA: One of the world's top water skiers, who was a freshman at the University of Louisiana-Layfayette, has died aged 18. Micky Geller from Carp, Ontario, Canada, was studying kinesiology. He died on May 6. No further details, including his cause of death, have been released.
"It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we share with all of you the news that Micky Geller, from Ontario, has died suddenly," Water Ski Canada posted on Facebook. "Micky was a valued member of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Water Ski Team, and the Ontario skiing community and he represented Water Ski Canada on many occasions including the U17 IWWF World Championships, the Jr. US Masters Water Ski Tournament, and the 2022 Pan American Championships."
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"As skiers and all the members of our community begin to mourn this great loss, many will acknowledge his amazing work ethic, unending passion, humor, athleticism, and charisma. During this difficult time, let us come together as a community to support one another and cherish the memories we have of Micky. The University of Lafayette at Louisiana will fly their flags at half mast on Thursday, May 18, to honor Micky and his contribution to the school and their Water Ski Team," the post added.
Who was Micky Geller?
As per Geller's obituary, he was a member of the Junior National Waterski team and ranked 6th in the world in U21 Jump. He loved "nothing more than flying off the ramp" and "spent his younger years in gymnastics and then moved on to rock climbing and waterskiing." Geller also loved motorcycling and snowmobiling.
"With his full throttle approach to life, Micky experienced more in his 18 years than many ever will. However, he was just cracking the surface of the possibilities that lay ahead," the obituary said. "There are so many people who truly loved Micky simply because he loved so generously. Our boy will be remembered for his empathy, passion, strength, fearlessness, drive, discipline and limitless potential."
The youngster is survived by his parents Bobbiann and Mitch, sister Chloe, grandparents Mary Ann and Bob Cormack, Bob and Lynn Macpherson, Larry Geller and the late Nancy Geller, dogs Sandy, and Daisy, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and teammates.
'Micky had a smile and presence that lit up every room'
Many of Geller's acquaintances paid remembered him on social media. One user commented on Facebook, "Micky a beautiful human taken far too soon we will love you forever and never forget you! Deepest condolences to Bobbiann Geller, Chloe & Mitch as well as all those who love him. I will not say ‘loved’ because our love will never stop." "Micky had a smile and presence that lit up every room he walked into. Our deepest condolences and prayers for Micky’s family. He will be forever missed," another wrote. One said, "Absolutely heartbreaking and devastating. Our hearts are with his family. I met his mom in FL a few years back. She had just driven him from Ontario to train with Matt. That is a mother's love. It's so hard to understand why things happen the way they do. To the Geller family we are thinking of you. Please be assured of our prayers for your broken hearts."
"We are so incredibly sorry for the loss of Micky. Our condolences to the entire family," one user wrote, while another said, "We are so sorry for this loss and will be thinking of his friends and family during this unbelievably difficult time." One said, "So very tragic. Condolences and prayers for his loved ones."
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