SAN FRANCISCO—Andrew “Bart” Simpson, 36, died Thursday, May 9 after the 72 foot long Swedish sailboat he was in turned over in the San Francisco Bay, trapping him under water for almost 10 minutes. Simpson was an Olympic gold medalist from the United Kingdom and served as a strategist on the Swedish Artemis Racing team. He was reportedly on the boat practicing for the upcoming America Cup races.
After being brought to shore, Simpson along with another sailor was brought to the St. Francis Yacht Club. Simpson was pronounced dead shortly after when paramedics could not revive him while the other sailor escaped with injuries. Thirteen other crewmembers from the boat were accounted for and taken to shore.
The Artemis Racing team is scheduled to compete with two other yacht clubs for the honor of challenging Team Oracle for the America’s Cup, which is sailing’s most esteemed trophy. Simpson had won one Olympic gold medal and one silver medal during his time with the team.
By Nedda Alishahi
