Adam Paul Zwan

Adam Paul Zwan, 38, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, at 2:15 p.m. in Nashville, Tn. He died in a manner befitting the way that he lived, surrounded by the people who loved him dearly—his parents, siblings, nieces, brother-in-law, and his Uncle Frankie and Aunt Terry (godparents).

One in a million, that’s not quite the odds of being diagnosed with Wolfram Syndrome, but it's close. Wolfram is an insidious disease that slowly takes all your physical gifts and leaves only who you really are in mind and spirt. When faced with such adversity, most people would be bitter and angry but was that one in a million – a truly beautiful soul who never felt sorry for himself and was always a shining example of goodness and humility. Adam never allowed sickness to define him. Instead, he chose to rise above it. He chose positivity. He chose laughter. He chose love. And most importantly, he chose to make the lives of everyone around him better.

At just 21 years old, Adam said words to his Aunt Gina that would become a guiding principle for his entire family:

“Challenges in life are given. Coping and pushing forward are choices.”

It is easy to say those words when life is easy, but even in his darkest times, Adam put those words into practice.

Adam had an incredible ability to find joy in the simplest things. He loved fishing, camping, exercise, nutrition, telling jokes, and quoting funny movies. He took pride in staying active and learning about nutrition, and these were important parts of the way he lived his life. He adored his family—his parents, siblings, nieces, aunts, uncles, and cousins—and he made sure the people around him knew how much they meant to him. When you understand how short a life can be, as Adam did, you spend whatever time you have on the things and with the people who matter most.

One of Adam’s greatest joys was being an uncle. He was so proud of that title that he proudly introduced himself as “Uncle Adam—UA! You can call me Uhhh.” His nieces held a very special place in his heart, and his family will forever treasure the love and memories he shared with them.

You need only to spend a few moments in Adam’s presence to sense how special he was. Adam’s legacy can be found in every person whose life he touched. He showed us that strength isn’t about never suffering. Strength is choosing to keep going. It is choosing joy when life gives you every reason not to. It is choosing to love when your own heart is hurting. Adam made that choice over and over again.

His final moments were a beautiful reflection of the love that surrounded his life.

As his mother, Kay, gently rubbed his face, she asked him how he was doing. Adam looked at her and said:

“I feel great!”

His mom told him, “I love you, baby.”

Adam replied, “I love you more.”

Those were his final words.

And somehow, they were perfectly Adam – because no matter how much you loved him, he always managed to love you just a little bit more.

He spent his life giving love, finding joy, making people laugh, and reminding those around him to keep pushing forward. Even in his final moments, he gave his family one last gift—the reassurance that he was at peace in the words, “I love you more.”

Adam was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ed and Janet Zwan; his maternal grandparents, John and Sarah Lee; and his beloved cousin, Travis Schmoyer.

He leaves behind his parents, Eddie and Kay Zwan; his brother, Joey Zwan; his sister, Jenna Ambrose, and her husband, David Ambrose; and his beloved nieces, Adaline and Teddi Ambrose.

Adam held a particularly special place in Adaline’s story. She was named after him, a lasting reminder of the love and bond they shared. Adam would proudly say, “Adaline and Uncle Adam—we’re the A Team, A squared!” It was his own special way of celebrating the connection between them, and it became a beautiful expression of the love he had for his niece.

He is also survived by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were made brighter simply because they had the privilege of knowing him.

Celebration of Life:

Adam’s family will celebrate his life on September 26, 2026, at 1:00 pm in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Family, friends, and all who knew and loved Adam are welcome to join us as we honor his life with a gathering at the home of Frank and Terry Zwan:

945 Rivage Promenade Wilmington, NC 28412

There will be a second celebration of life on October 18, 2026 at 1:00 pm in Olive Branch, Mississippi.

Family, friends, and all who knew and loved Adam are welcome to join us as we honor his life with a gathering at:

7282 Maygan Dr Olive Branch, MS 38654

In Lieu of Flowers:

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Adam’s memory to The Snow Foundation, whose mission is to advance research toward treatments and a cure for Wolfram syndrome.

Donate to The Snow Foundation in Adam’s memory (https://thesnowfoundation.org/donate/)

Tribute Memorial:

Please Help Us Honor Adam

We are creating a tribute video for Adam to celebrate his life and the incredible impact he had on so many people.

Adam touched countless lives, and we want to collect the memories, stories, photos, and videos that capture who he was and what he meant to each of us.

If Adam was part of your life, we would love for you to participate.

Upload a favorite photo of Adam. Send a video sharing a favorite memory, story, or what Adam meant to you. Write a statement about Adam, how he impacted your life, or something you will always remember about him.

It can be as short or as long as you’d like. We simply want you and your memories of Adam. Those are the things we will treasure forever.

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to help us keep Adam’s memory alive. We are so grateful.

https://www.tribute.co/adam-zwan/?invite=link&fbclid=IwdGRjcATwIhtwZG9mBWZkaWQWUMoTUqlGLUV9kTt4Fs3wW_2yiXVDKGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR7o_-YhMncDb1hSYIoWJgdQ1JlXKwNVQoW37Stg4aPfNDkz-UIAMPotNipqfQ_aem_fT_aWGZpHBOzlU0RIX7nog

Adam’s life was filled with challenges, but he never let those challenges win.

He taught us that coping and pushing forward are choices.

He chose to push forward.

He chose to love.

He chose to laugh.

He chose to make an impact.

And because Adam chose to live that way, every one of us is better for having known him.

His life may have ended, but his words, his laughter, his love, and the countless lives he touched will continue to live on.

We love you, Adam. And we smile to think of a place where there is no more sickness – no more pain and we know that you would tell us today “If I was any better, I couldn’t stand myself.”