News Summary
A memorial service will honor the life of Jonas David Ellwanger, a 19-year-old artist and athlete who passed away following an accident at Sarah Lawrence College. The service will take place at Triumphant Love Lutheran Church, with live-streaming available for those unable to attend. Friends and family are mourning the loss of a bright, kind individual known for his passion for the performing arts, swimming, and strong community ties.
Austin, Texas – A memorial service is scheduled to honor the life of Jonas David Ellwanger, a bright and talented 19-year-old who tragically passed away on May 6, 2025, following an accident at Sarah Lawrence College. The service will take place on May 20th at 2:00 p.m. at Triumphant Love Lutheran Church in Austin, with overflow seating available at Grace Covenant Church. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed on the church’s YouTube channel.
Ellwanger’s family, including his father Jay, mother Christina, and sisters Berit and Annika, along with an extended family and countless friends, are deeply mourning his loss. Described by fellow students as incredibly kind and a radiant presence, he left an indelible mark on the lives of all who knew him.
Jonas was born on January 5, 2006, in Austin, Texas, a day after the Texas Longhorns celebrated a national championship victory. He was the third generation in his family to carry the initials JDE and had a range of passions including Formula 1, Legos, Longhorn football, and the performing arts.
His journey was profoundly shaped by an early medical challenge; at the age of 13, he survived a rare brain bleed known as an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). This experience forced him to relearn basic skills like reading, writing, and walking. Ellie believed that overcoming adversity reinforced his faith in God and solidified his bond with the Triumphant Love Lutheran Church community.
Jonas excelled academically and artistically. He received early admission and a Presidential Scholarship to his dream school, Sarah Lawrence College, where he quickly became engaged in campus life. As a member of the Men’s Swim Team, he achieved notable success by earning two Skyline Conference Honor Roll recognitions during his first season, receiving the Coach’s Award, and later serving as Co-Captain during his sophomore year.
Aside from athletics, Jonas had a fervent passion for the dramatic arts. He secured lead roles in high school productions and participated actively with the Zach Scott North Musical Theater Company. In college, he continued to thrive as an artist and was represented by professional agents in both Austin and New York, starring in several student films and taking a creative lead in a notable theatrical project.
Ellwanger was known for his sharp humor, unwavering loyalty, and passionate approach to life. His curiosity and joyous spirit endeared him to many, creating a network of friends and supporters who admire him for his intensity and zest for life. Tributes following his death have described him as a force of light on campus who brightened the day of everyone around him.
Following the tragic accident, Jonas’s swimming team captain expressed admiration for his ability to bring happiness to those around him, even in his final moments. The service is expected to be a celebration of his life, with tributes reflecting on the impact he had on family, friends, and the community.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jonas Ellwanger Memorial Fund, which is hosted by the Austin Community Foundation. The fund aims to support improving treatments for AVM survivors, contributions to Dell Children’s Medical Center, and resources for students interested in dramatic arts or competing in NCAA Division III athletics.
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Additional Resources
- Dallas Morning News Obituary
- Wikipedia: Sarah Lawrence College
- Austin American-Statesman Obituary
- Google Search: Jonas Ellwanger accident
- Post Crescent Obituary
- Google Scholar: arteriovenous malformation
- Austin American-Statesman Tribute
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Formula 1
- Dallas Morning News Celebration of Life
- Google News: Jonas Ellwanger memorial
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