Swimmer, 72, dies during 750m race at beach where daughter was also competing
A swimmer slowed down and tragically died during a 750m sea swim in an event his daughter was also competing in.
David Grey was taking part in the race in Swansea Bay on Sunday afternoon. The 72-year-old was said to have slowed down during the race, according to organisers Swansea Tri-Sharks, before he was helped by medics on the beach.
Sadly he died not long afterwards - while his daughter, Debbie, was competing in the 1500m race at the same beach.
Swansea Trisharks wrote: "It is with a heavy heart that we confirm the passing of Athlete David Grey age 72, during our event.
"Our deepest condolences go to David's family and friends. We would like to thank the incredible efforts of South Wales Water Safety Team, acute paramedics, rapid response, air ambulance, police, coastguard, RNLI, volunteers and members of the public."
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The veteran swimmer was taking part in an open water race at the time (WALES NEWS SERVICE)
His daughter was swimming at the same event at the time (WALES NEWS SERVICE)Tributes poured in for David, WalesOnline reported, with close friend Kevin Pullin describing how he will “never forget” his time together with his fellow swimming competitor. Kevin continued: "His massive strength, athletic ability and commitment to swimming was and will remain an inspiration to so many people including myself.
"This is such a sad time for the athletic and swimming community in Swansea and Wales. However I know that Dai will want us to ‘crack on’ with our training, competition and enjoyment of swimming/sport. I and so many others will never forget Dai and his legacy will live on. Penlan Leisure Centre and the pool will never be the same without him."
Many others shared their tributes, including Paul Griffiths, who wrote: "Worked with David for 38 years on railway. Larger than life character, always full of fun and even in his toughest times always had his glass half full. Going to leave a massive void in so many peoples lives. RIP Dai."
Andrew Horsfall-Turner wrote: "Dai was one of the most committed swimmers I’ve seen. Up at Penlan every morning, incredible athlete and lovely man! RIP", and Hywel Davies wrote: "Only saw him a couple of weeks ago and was lovely to see Dai as I remember him whilst work colleagues, all smiles. So sorry to all the family for your loss, his love of swimming was undiminished to the end."
Rachel Llewelyn-Davies wrote: "Such a lovely man and such a lovely family. Sending my love and condolences to his family and friends", and Ellie Nora added: "Very sad news I remember swimming with him in the masters a good few years ago and he was so encouraging and supportive." Pontypool Triathlon & Endurance Club wrote: "We are saddened to hear of this news and share our condolences with Davids family, friends and fellows of Swansea Trisharks.."
A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We were called on Sunday (August 13), at approximately 4.38pm, to reports of an incident on the beach near Mumbles Road, Swansea. We sent one Cymru high acuity response unit, one emergency ambulance, one duty operational manager and one advanced paramedic practitioner to the scene where we were assisted by colleagues from the emergency medical retrieval and transfer service who travelled by air.”
South Wales Police and the RNLI were both also in attendance.
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