Runners Mourn Olympian David Torrence’s Death At 31
On Monday morning, Olympian and American distance runner David Torrence was found dead in a swimming pool in Scottsdale, Ariz.
David Torrence, a Peruvian-American middle distance runner who competed at the 2016 Olympic Games, was found dead in a swimming pool at an apartment complex in Scottsdale, Ariz. He was 31 years old.
According to the Arizona Republic, Torrence was found at 7:30 a.m. on Monday morning. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed that there were “no obvious signs of foul play.” However, they are still investigating the cause of death and it will be to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine exactly how Torrence died.
Torrence was from California, where he ran collegiately at UC Berkeley. He was sponsored by HOKA ONE ONE. Originally he trained for the U.S. Olympic team before switching to Peru, where his mother holds citizenship. He made the 1500-meter final at the 2016 Olympics and recently set Peruvian national records in the 1500 and mile. He had recently come to Arizona on a training trip.
RELATED: The David Torrence Story
In regards to Torrence’s passing, the president of HOKA, Wendy Yang released a statement.
“The HOKA ONE ONE family is deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of one of our star athletes, David Torrence. David was an amazing man who showed tremendous strength and dedication in everything he did both personally and professionally. He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Torrence was well-liked among fellow runners and fans of the sport. Many took to Twitter to tell stories and share their grief of his passing.
Fellow HOKA athlete Kyle Merber announced they would name the Long Island Mile race he organizes every year after Torrence. He was the two-time champion of that event and a good friend of Merber’s.
Today we lost an amazing athlete and an even greater friend pic.twitter.com/TDrD0mLkUn
— Kyle Merber (@TheRealMerb) August 29, 2017
I can’t even comprehend right now. @David_Torrence was with us a month ago and always made the boys smile and laugh. We love & will miss u. pic.twitter.com/2KNixfiI4J
— Stephanie Bruce (@Steph_Rothstein) August 29, 2017
On a long run years ago Jason and I named our favorite runners to root for. #DT made our list. I’m so glad I had the chance to tell him.
— Jenny Simpson (@trackjenny) August 29, 2017
William and I were lucky to have shared so much life with David. We love him like family. None of this makes sense. pic.twitter.com/CLtFA7snMy
— Aisha Praught Leer (@aishapraught) August 29, 2017