British Olympic Sailor Andrew "Bart" Simpson Drowns In Yacht Accident

Andrew "Bart" Simpson died today while training with his sailing team, Sweden's Artemis Racing, when the catamaran capsized in the San Francisco Bay. He was trapped beneath the boat, and repeated attempts to revive the two-time Olympian in the water and onshore failed. Simpson was 36.

He was in the country practicing with his team for this summer's 34th America's Cup. Simpson was one of 11 crewmembers aboard, but all of his teammates were fortunate enough to escape with their lives.

Simpson, left, was born in Chertsey, England, and represented Great Britain in the Star class in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and last year's London Games. In Beijing, Simpson captured gold with his partner, Iain Percy, in the two-man event. Four years later, the duo won a silver medal in front of their home crowd. Both then joined Artemis Racing.

“The entire Artemis Racing team is devastated by what happened,” Paul Cayard, Artemis Racing's CEO, said in a statement. “Our heartfelt condolences are with Andrew’s wife and family.”

[ The Guardian]

Photo Credit: Associated Press