On September 15, 2025, the Case Western Reserve University community and countless friends and loved ones around the world were heartbroken to learn of the passing of Emil LaSida, a 21-year-old student, teammate, and friend whose radiant smile and boundless energy touched everyone who knew him.
For many, the image of Emil will forever be tied to a defining moment earlier this year: standing behind the blocks at the 2025 NCAA National Championships, preparing for a high-stakes swim-off in the 50-yard freestyle. With poise and determination, Emil surged through the water to victory, out-touching his competitor by five one-hundredths of a second. More than just a win, the race made history as he shattered his own school record with a remarkable time of 19.98 seconds, becoming the first Case Western Reserve swimmer ever to break the 20-second barrier. His coach, Doug Milliken, later described it as “one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen one of my athletes do,” recalling the joy on Emil’s face that could “be seen from a mile away.”
Born in September 2004, Emil grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, where his passion for swimming was evident from a young age. A leader in and out of the pool, he captained his high school team and earned recognition such as The Washington Post All-Met Honorable Mention, cementing his reputation as one of the area’s top swimmers. In 2022, Emil brought his talents and infectious positivity to Case Western Reserve University, where he pursued a degree in computer engineering while becoming a record-breaking athlete for the Spartans.
At CWRU, Emil was more than a swimmer; he was a cherished teammate, roommate, and friend. Teammates recall his unwavering work ethic, relentless encouragement, and ability to brighten even the hardest training days. Whether anchoring relays, mentoring younger swimmers, or simply cracking jokes on long road trips, Emil inspired those around him. His dedication earned him a place on the team’s Leadership Council for two years, reflecting the deep respect his peers had for him.
Off the pool deck, Emil was just as remarkable. Friends describe him as thoughtful, reliable, and full of quiet humor. He had a knack for always having exactly what someone needed—whether a printer, utensils, or simply a listening ear. He loved hosting game nights, sharing movie marathons, going on hikes, and attending air shows with friends. His generosity, warmth, and “contagious laugh” left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Emil leaves behind a legacy of excellence, kindness, and friendship. He is survived by his loving parents, Lolo and Maya, his brother Lutfi, and extended family spanning from Seattle to Alexandria, Indonesia to Belgium. The family will hold a private service to honor his memory, and the university community will gather in the coming weeks to celebrate Emil’s life and the many ways he enriched those around him.
Though Emil’s time on earth was far too short, his impact was immeasurable. He will be remembered not only for his record-breaking swims, but for the kindness, love, and light he shared so freely. His teammates, classmates, and loved ones will carry his spirit forward, forever inspired by the extraordinary young man he was.
