U.S. national swimming team member Fran Crippen died while computing in the FINA Open Water 10-kilometer World Cup in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday. He was 26 years old.
Click here for more pictures of Fran Crippen
Crippen failed to finish the race, and was found the water two hours later. According to Swimming World, the water temperature was in the mid to high 80s and many swimmers were treated for heat exhaustion after the race.
A native of Pennsylvania, Crippen swam for the University of Virginia. He was national champion in the 5k in 2009 and won the 10K at the 2007 Pan American Games.
The U.S. Olympic Committee released a statement saying “We send our condolences and deepest sympathies to the Crippen family as well as to our entire swimming community. While details of this tragedy are still forthcoming, we shall keep this outstanding young athlete and his family in our thoughts and prayers.”
