As written by Nova’s loving and brave mother
My son Nova and I decided to go for a quick swim at the community pool on July 17th, 2023 around 8:15 pm. It was a sweltering July evening in Texas.
My son was holding his breath at the shallow end. He was going under on the pool floor, sitting in the lotus position. I was mimicking him and doing similarly. Nova had been holding his breath underwater for years to increase his lung capacity, inspired by the Wim Hoff methods initially introduced by his dad and a friend. I asked him if he wanted me to time him, but he said no, as he had forgotten his watch.
I kept watching Nova and asked him if what he was doing was safe, as I sensed that maybe it was too much. He firmly told me that, of course, it’s safe, Wim Hoff teaches it, and to stop watching him and go swim. So I left and went swimming to the far end of the pool. I took less than two minutes* to look at the beautiful night sky and say a prayer. When I looked back, I didn’t see my son, and a horrible feeling came over me. He couldn’t possibly be holding his breath this long!
I swam towards the shallow end and saw him under the water face down. I immediately dove in and grabbed him. I took him out alone, which was difficult as he’s a 6 foot 2 young man. I immediately started breathing in his lungs and yelled for help. A man and his wife came over right away, and the man took over the chest compressions as I called the paramedics.
My son was hypoxic from having held his breath over and over and for too long. He passed out while I looked away. It took about two minutes for him to die. He passed away around 8:37 pm. Nothing anyone could do was enough to revive him. He was only 23 years old.
Nova was the most amazing person I have ever met. He is my pride and joy. He was a talented musician, artist, athlete, programmer, rock climber, and philosopher. Everything Nova tried, he did well. He was constantly pushing himself to be his best. He was planning on having a large family one day. He was the kindest and most gentle soul. My Nova never told a lie. We used to call him the super truther. Everyone who met him said he had wisdom and an understanding beyond his young years.
Nova was loved by many. He was my one and only child. My best friend. My teacher and my beloved son.
*Video surveillance confirms time lapse under two minutes