Former Carolina Athletics strength coach Dominick Vetell died last week in a car crash, with the UNC community and beyond rallying together to raise money to help his wife and young daughter.

Vetell, known as Nick, held the position of assistant director of sports performance at Carolina before departing after the wrestling season to help condition special ops forces at Fort Bragg — where he first interned as a strength and conditioning coach. He was driving on a motorcycle in the early morning hours of May 16 when he was struck by a truck in Moore County, with WRAL reporting he died from injuries sustained in the wreck. He was 36 years old.

Vetell arrived in Chapel Hill after wrestling at Appalachian State during his collegiate career and professionally becoming a strength coach. Helping the Tar Heels’ wrestling, men’s tennis, and men’s and women’s swimming programs, he “touched countless lives with his strength, kindness, and unwavering spirit,” according to the athletic department’s strength and conditioning Instagram account.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Nick Vetell — a beloved father, devoted husband, loyal friend, inspiring coach, and forever Tar Heel,” said a post shared on May 17 in honor of Vetell. “His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.”

In the official obituary for Vetell, his family writes that he was “more than just a coach,” and credits his personable approach with the athletes and others the Creedmoor resident worked with. But it also describes his “true pride and joy” as his family, especially his wife Meredith and 2-year-old daughter Emersyn.

A GoFundMe campaign was launched Sunday to provide financial support to the Vetells in the wake of Nick’s death. As of Tuesday morning, the fundraiser surpassed its initial goal and has reached more than $85,000.

 

Featured photo via the Vetell Family/GoFundMe.

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