Water ski champion Michael Arthur “Micky” Geller, a University of Louisiana student, died unexpectedly on May 6th at the age of 18. The sad news was shared earlier this week by Water Ski Canada and the water ski team from Geller’s school.
His cause of death has not yet been made public. In the U21 jump, Geller, a junior water skier from Ontario, was placed sixth in the world. Continue reading to learn more about his tragic passing.
Waterskiing champion Micky Geller Ragin’ Cajuns Waterski squad, Geller’s squad at the University of Louisiana, released the following statement on May 16 to inform everyone of his passing: “Team member Micky Geller has gone away. He was 18 years old. Both The Ragin’ Cajuns Water Ski Team and Water Ski Canada appreciated Micky as a member.
From his training and contests to his interactions with his colleagues and instructors, his passion for water skiing was clear in everything he did. Micky was a junior water skier in the U21 jump who was ranked sixth in the world and was a full-scholarship student at UL Lafayette.
“Micky’s incredible work ethic, never-ending passion, sense of humour, athleticism, and charisma will live on forever. He adored taking off and flying high, but he also loved rock climbing, riding a motorbike, snowmobiling, having in-depth discussions and arguments about current affairs, and listening to music.
The athlete is survived by his parents Mitch and Bobbiann, sister Chloe, grandparents Bob and Lynn Macpherson and Mary Ann and Bob Cormack, and sister Chloe. On May 18, a memorial service for him was held in Ottawa, Canada.
Geller competed for Water Ski Canada in a number of competitions, such as the 2022 Pan American Championships, the Jr. US Masters Water Ski Tournament, and the U17 IWWF World Championships.
“As skiers and all members of our community begin to mourn this great loss, many will acknowledge his amazing work ethic, unwavering passion, humour, athleticism, and charisma,” the sports team said in a statement praising the athlete.
The creation of an award in Micky’s honour has now been proposed by his family. Water Ski Canada stated, “WSWC will work with them on a fitting way to memorialise Micky’s outstanding contribution to our sport and everyone in it. On May 18th, the flags at The University of Louisiana at Louisiana were flown at half-staff in memory of the dead student.
Geller was associated with both Ragin’ Cajuns and Water Ski Canada in addition to the Ontario skiing scene. He practised gymnastics throughout his childhood before developing an interest in water skiing and rock climbing. The obituary written by his family stated that “Micky was ranked 6th in the world in U21 Jump and loved nothing more than flying off the ramp.”
With his go-all-out attitude towards life, Micky had more experiences in his 18 years than many people will ever have. He was only beginning to scratch the surface of the opportunities that lay ahead. Simply because Micky loved so freely, there were so many individuals who sincerely adored him, it continued.
We send our sympathies to Micky Geller’s loved ones. God grant him eternal peace!