Dear Rapids Families,

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart I write today to let you know our Rapids family has suffered an unfathomable tragedy. Earlier today, we lost Aletheia Wren Wiley-Jimenez, better known on deck as “Allie.” Some of you might have seen the news earlier on Elizabeth's Facebook post.  For those who haven't, and would like to, please click on this link.

Allie had been part of the Rapids Swim and Dive family since she joined as a mini-Rapid at just 4 years old. Over the years, she became one of the most familiar and beloved faces on the pool deck, participating in both swim and dive teams. Because of that, it often felt like she was always there—whether at dive practice, swim practice, relaxing under the pavilion, or laughing with friends.

Allie was a constant presence at our club, touching the lives of so many—from the youngest swimmers who looked up to her, to the older teammates who had known her since she first started. She was a fierce friend and teammate, she was unapologetically “Allie”, bringing joy, kindness, and friendship to everyone around her—along with just the right amount of sass that made her truly unforgettable.

Allie’s generosity continues beyond her life. Through organ and tissue donation, and by contributing to several research projects, she will go on to help and inspire others.

One thing which tragedy has reinforced, however, is how close our Rapids family is. There has been an outpouring of requests to support Elizabeth, Paul, Ari, Chiron and Trajan since the news of this tragic event surfaced over the last week.

If you would like to support the family, here are a few ways to do so:

• A Go-Fund-Me has been set up for the Wiley-Jimenez family. The funds will be used for a variety of purposes, and you can find out more information by clicking HERE.
• A Meal Train has been created, so friends can support the family by supplying meals. You can sign up HERE.
• A sign up genius to deliver essential groceries can be found HERE.

If you have any messages you would like to communicate to the family, and do not have their contact information, please either contact me (Shaq) or send a note to [email protected] and I will make sure it gets to Elizabeth.

Finally, a celebration of Allie’s life will be held at St. Francis Episcopal Church at 4:00pm on Sunday November 23^rd. All are welcome to come together to celebrate Allie’s life and share memories of our sweet Aletheia Wren.

-Shaq