Local Olympian Killed In Crash Remembered For Resilience, Kind Heart

MCHENRY, IL — A local Olympian is being remembered by those closest to him as a loyal friend, brother and son whose "love knew no bounds."

Patrick Wojciech Gasienica, 24, died Monday afternoon in a motorcycle crash in the 1000 block of Cherry Valley Road in Bull Valley. Gasienica was driving home from work when the crash occurred, according to the coroner's office and a GoFundMe set up by a friend of the Gasienica family.

He was taken to Northwestern Hospital in McHenry, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy shows he died from blunt force trauma, according to the McHenry County Coroner's Office.

• Olympian From Norge Ski Club Dies In Motorcycle Crash

Gasienica was born in Oak Park and trained at Norge Ski Club in Fox River Grove. He competed in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Those closest to Gasienica say the 24-year-old man had a wonderful sense of humor and a compassionate heart that "touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him," according to the obituary.

"Patrick's infectious love for life was evident in his cherished pastimes, including golfing, skiing, and sharing laughter-filled moments with his friends," according to the obituary.

Patrick was living with his mom in McHenry at the time of his death and beginning a new profession.

"Beyond his extraordinary athletic accomplishments, Patrick was also embarking on a new chapter in his life, immersing himself in the world of trades. He relished the opportunity to learn new skills alongside his dear friends, finding joy in the journey of personal and professional growth," according to his obituary.

As an athlete, Patrick "soared through the icy heights of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China, leaving an ineradicable mark on our hearts," according to his obituary.

"His relentless pursuit of his dreams and passions was truly inspiring, and he demonstrated an unwavering determination to achieve his goals. Patrick's resilience and commitment were an embodiment of his indomitable spirit," according to his obituary.

Norge Ski Club issued a statement following Gasienica's death, referring to the 24-year-old athlete as "a fierce competitor, role model and friend to all who knew him.”

"This devastating loss hits our Norge family hard, and leaves us with deep and profound sadness at his passing. Patrick was a dedicated athlete and beloved member of not only the Norge community, but the ski jumping community at large, and his life and legacy will forever be remembered," according to the statement.

Officials with Norge said Patrick's family, friends, teammates and "the entire ski jumping community" was mourning the loss.

"We ask that you hold Patrick's family, friends and our Norge community in your thoughts and prayers as well as respecting Patrick's family's privacy as they mourn this unimaginable loss," according to the statement. "While this loss is devastating to our community, we will always remember Patrick and hold him close in our hearts and memories."

According to Patrick's bio on the Team USA website, Patrick's father, Wojciech Gasienica, stoked his "love for skiing and motivated his athletic career." He fostered his love for the sport through his involvement with the Norge Ski Club.

A GoFundMe set up by a friend of Patrick's family, Jason Vasconez of Crystal Lake, has brought in more than $21,000 as of Wednesday morning. According to Vasconez, the "sudden and devastating loss" has been hitting his family hard, especially his mother, who Patrick was living with in McHenry at the time of his death.

"Patrick was a specially gifted Olympic athlete and his passing is much too soon. Patrick's mother (Jolanta), his two sisters, and Bob, Jolanta's fiancee, are together grieving. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jolanta and her family in their time of need," Vasconez wrote in the GoFundMe.

"Any amount donated will be an expression of our sympathy and love for Patrick and his family. All funds will be directed to Patrick’s mother to ease her burden as we give them time and space to grieve."

Patrick's visitation is scheduled for 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 16, at Colonial Funeral Home in McHenry and his funeral service is set for 7:15 p.m. at the funeral home. He leaves behind two sisters, Megan and Sabina; was the son of Wojciech Gasienica and Jolanta Kiwior; and "an adoring dog dad to his loyal companion, Iris," according to his obituary.