Photo Courtesy: Sandstein
NORMAL – A severe bout of depression plagued Illinois state high school champion Jake Miller, and it is believed to be the cause of the University High School senior’s death Friday.
Miller, who was headed to the University of Louisville in the fall, committed suicide, the family confirmed through ISU Lab Schools Superintendent Jeff Hill Saturday.
In an article in the Bloomington Pantagraph today, Hill described Miller as “a good student” and “very well-liked by the student body.” He was instrumental in helping University High School win the boys’ state team title last March, thanks in no small part to a state record time of 1:48.08, breaking the 13-year-old state record. Miller also won the 500 free with a 4:28.36.
Miller, 18, was an Olympic Trials qualifier in the 400 IM with a 4:26.04 at the NCSA long course junior nationals while representing Redbird Swim Club.
Miller would lower his lifetime best in the short course 200 IM to 1:47.47 at the NCSA junior national championships for sixth place. He also posted 3:50.36 in the 400 IM at the meet for fifth place.
Men’s 400 IM final at 2014 spring NCSA juniors (Jake Miller in lane eight):
Men’s 200 IM final at 2014 spring NCSA juniors (Jake Miller in lane eight):
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How incredibly sad! Just mystifying given all that Jake had accomplished. He should have been on top of the world. I feel so sorry for his parents, who were doubtless proud beyond words. Coping with their loss will be the hardest thing they’ve ever done. Just know you are in so many thoughts, and Jake is at peace.