A 48-year-old woman was pronounced dead after she stopped moving during a swimming race at the Maryland Special Olympics’ annual Summer Games on Saturday.
According to a report by the Baltimore Sun, Tresaraie Dalana Shavers was just past the 15-yard mark in the 25-yard backstroke when she had a medical emergency and was in need of a rescue.
Shavers’ coach Phil Wetzler told the Baltimore Sun that her jaw tightened, her head dipped below the surface and she stopped moving forward.
Two coaches and one bystander jumped into the pool in an attempt to rescue Shavers. The three rescuers told police that she was unconscious but breathing upon being removed from the water.
Medical staff at the event as well as Baltimore County medics performed CPR on her upon arrival before she was taken to the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, There she was later pronounced dead according to a police report.
On Sunday, the day after the incident, a memorial was held for Shavers with a moment of silence also being observed during the closing ceremonies.
Event Organizers are awaiting a report from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner that will give them the cause of death before responding on the matter.
Special Olympic Maryland Officials stated, “We mourn and celebrate her life and ask everyone to please respect the privacy of her family and her Special Olympics family during this difficult time.”
Shaver had participated in Special Olympic Maryland swimming events since 2009.
She will be sadley missed
RIP Ms. Shavers and condolences. Given that it was her 7th year competing, I hope that means she died doing something she truly loved!