BRIDGEPORT, Pa. — American Water Polo (AWP) and the water polo community mourn the passing of Illinois water polo official Bill Dolehide.
A father of three, Dolehide was driving to a Crestwood Soccer Club board meeting when he was shot in the head inside his car on the evening of Wednesday, March 7, on 135th Street driving through Robbins toward Crestwood just before 6:00 p.m. Dolehide and another driver were both innocent victims caught in gun crossfire. The other driver’s injuries were non-life-threatening.
He worked with American Water Polo since 2012 as an official to provide athletes in the Chicago area the opportunity to participate in water polo. Funeral arrangements have not been made public at this time.
“Our hearts are broken with the news about Bill,” said American Water Polo Director Dan Sharadin.
“It is difficult to get your mind wrapped around such a senseless tragedy. He has been such a great referee and willing to help wherever he was asked to officiate. I cannot imagine the pain the family is experiencing at this time. our prayers are with his wife and kids.”
A husband, father, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to many, he was a West Communities YMCA swimmer in the 1970s and won multiple Chicago Park District (CPD) Water Polo Championships. In addition, he played for the club program at the University of Illinois-Chicago and was a graduate of Brother Rice High School. A regular participant in masters water polo, he competed for the Apostles, OutLaws and in the CPD league.
As a water polo official, he called multiple state championships and all age group levels – including college and senior men’s leagues.
Active in the community of Crestwood and the Crestwood age group soccer program, he also served as a soccer official.
Dolehide will continue to give back to his community and beyond following his death as his organs will be donated to provide others the gift of life.