Membership
Greco-Roman National Team member Jacob Curby, 25, unexpectedly passed away this evening at his home in Boise, Idaho.
Curby was discovered not breathing on his sofa at home. Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. No medical information about the incident is currently available.
"Wrestling is his life and he was totally engaged in it," said his father Dave Curby. "He is a kid with many friends. He overcame so much in his life, with epilepsy and having cancer when he was in high school. It is a shock. We are always so proud of him in all aspects of his life. He only got great things from being involved with USA Wrestling at this level."
Curby was ranked No. 3 on the Greco-Roman National Team at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. and has twice been a national team member. He returned a few days ago from competing at the Ivan Poddubny Grand Prix in Russia.
Curby is originally from LaGrange, Ill., where he attended Lyons Township High School. He rose to national and international prominence in Greco-Roman wrestling while competing for the U.S. Olympic Education Program at Northern Michigan Univ. He was a member of the New York Athletic Club.
His top achievement on the national level was placing second at the 2007 U.S. World Team Trials. He was fourth at the U.S. Nationals the last three seasons, and placed third at the 2008 Pan American Championships.
USA Wrestling will provide additional information when it becomes available, including memorial arrangements.
"Jake's a great person. He never complained and worked so hard. He has overcome a lot of adversity during his life. I just spent a week with him in Russia. He wrestled well. He was learning so much every year. This is very difficult for us all," said National Greco-Roman Coach Steve Fraser.
"Our sport lost not only a great competitor but also a great individual," said USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender. "Our prayers go out to his family at this time."
The entire USA Wrestling community is grieving with Jake's family and friends, and we ask that you keep them in our thoughts at this difficult time.
The Curby family has forwarded the following information concerning visitation and services for Jake Curby, as well as memorial contribution information:
Visitation on Wednesday, Jan. 27th, 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Hallowell & James Funeral Hom
1025 W. 55th St.
Countryside, IL
708-352-6500
Funeral Mass on Thursday, Jan. 28th, 9:30 a.m.
St. Cletus Church
600 W. 55th St.
LaGrange, IL
708-352-6209
The family requests that memorial contributions may be made to the following:
USA Wrestling
c/o Jacob Curby Memorial
6155 Lehman Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
or
Loyola University Medical Center
Dept. of Development
2160 First Ave.
Maywood, IL 60153
Make checks to Loyola University Medical Center Dept. of Development with memo: Pediatric Oncology Research in memory of Jacob Curby
Thank you from:
David Curby
1719 W. 60th St.
LaGrange, IL 60525
708-217-7818