Andrew Simpson dies in America's Cup training accident
Written by RYA | 09 May 2013
Olympic gold and silver medallist dies in tragic America's Cup training accident
The RYA and British Sailing Team is devastated to confirm the death of Olympic gold and silver medallist Andrew Simpson after a training accident involving his Artemis Racing AC72 boat in San Francisco today.
Simpson became trapped underneath the boat and despite attempts to revive him, by doctors afloat and subsequently ashore, his life was lost.
RYA Performance Director John Derbyshire:
"We’re devastated by the news from San Francisco today. Andrew is someone I’ve worked closely with since the age of 16 – he was a great talent, and a key figure in our World Class Programme over many years culminating in his well-deserved Olympic success. He was a huge inspiration to others, both within the British Sailing Team and across the nation and our deepest sympathies go out to his family at this terrible time."
RYA Olympic Manager Stephen Park:
"Andrew was a fantastic sailor who got the best out of everyone he sailed with. He was much loved and will be sorely missed by everyone in our close knit team. Our thoughts today are with Andrew's family."