British double Olympic sailing medalist Andrew Simpson died on Thursday when a 72-foot catamaran of Swedish team Artemis capsized during America’s Cup training on San Francisco Bay, officials said.
Simpson, a 36-year-old who won Olympic gold in 2008 and silver last year in the keelboat star class, was trapped under the Artemis Racing boat for about 10 minutes, according to a statement on the America’s Cup website.
“It is with immense sadness that Artemis Racing confirms the tragic death of crewmember Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson today in San Francisco,” the team said in a statement.
“Despite attempts to revive him, by doctors afloat and subsequently ashore, his life was lost,” it said.
“The entire Artemis Racing team is devastated by what happened,” said Artemis chief executive Paul Cayard. “Our heartfelt condolences are with Andrew’s wife and family.”