Francis ‘Fran’ Crippen 1984-2010
Fran Crippen , a 26-year-old long distance swimmer and member of the U.S. National Team, died on Saturday in the United Arab Emirates during an open-water race.
The world class open water swimmer was in the last leg of the FINA 10-kilometer Marathon Swimming World Cup when he disappeared near the final buoy. Divers located his body two hours after the race ended.
There is speculation that he lost consciousness due to heat exhaustion. The athlete reportedly told his coach at the 8-kilometer mark that he wasn’t feeling well. The day was unusually hot and the water temperature was in the mid to high 80’s. Two U.S. women and one Brazilian were hospitalized for heat exhaustion symptoms after the race. An investigation and autopsy are planned.
The U.S. Olympic Committee issued the following statement: “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.”
Crippen graduated from the University of Virginia in 2006. During his collegiate career, he was twice named Atlantic Coast Conference Swimmer of the Year.
Fran is survived by three sisters who are competitive swimmers. His sister Maddy was a 2000 Olympian. His sister Claire is a national finalist and an NCAA All-American who currently swims for the University of Virginia. His third sister Teresa is a Pan American Games Champion and a U.S. National Team member.
Crippen’s last Facebook entry on Thursday said: “In Dubai for the final World Cup of the season and then off to Italy for vacation!”
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