The Sarah Lawrence College community is mourning the tragic loss of Jonas Ellwanger, a promising first-year student from Austin, Texas, who passed away unexpectedly. Jonas was just beginning his academic and athletic journey at the prestigious liberal arts institution located in Bronxville, New York. He was a proud graduate of Anderson High School, where he had already begun to make a name for himself as a dedicated student-athlete.
Jonas was a member of the Sarah Lawrence Gryphons swim team, where he showcased talent, discipline, and unwavering commitment. In the 2024–25 collegiate swim season, Jonas earned a fifth-place finish in the 50-yard breaststroke, clocking a personal best time of 37.95 seconds. His other top times included a 28.75 in the 50 freestyle and a 1:19.15 in the 100 backstroke. These achievements reflected not just his physical skill but also the countless hours of practice and passion he brought to the sport of swimming.
Beyond the lanes of the pool, Jonas was known for his kind spirit, thoughtful nature, and intellectual curiosity. Friends and peers recall his quiet determination, his willingness to help others, and the depth of his character. Faculty members spoke highly of Jonas’s academic potential and his genuine engagement with the Sarah Lawrence learning environment, which emphasizes creativity, independence, and rigorous inquiry.
Raised in Austin, Jonas developed a love for swimming early on and continued to pursue it through his high school years at Anderson High School, one of the city’s most respected public schools. His journey to Sarah Lawrence represented a significant milestone—one that marked the beginning of a bright and promising future.
The loss of Jonas has sent ripples through both the Sarah Lawrence College and Austin communities. Tributes have poured in from friends, classmates, teammates, and coaches who describe him as someone with immense potential and a heart full of kindness. As news of his death spreads, many are left shocked and heartbroken by the sudden passing of such a young and vibrant life.
No official cause of death has been made public at this time, and the college has not yet released a formal statement regarding memorial arrangements. However, the Sarah Lawrence community is expected to hold a campus remembrance event to honor Jonas’s life and contributions in the coming days.
Jonas Ellwanger leaves behind grieving family members, friends, coaches, teammates, and a college community that will deeply miss him. His legacy as a student, athlete, and compassionate young person will live on in the memories of all who had the privilege to know him.