Champion Rower, 27, Dies After Free-Diving Accident in the Philippines: 'Did Not Surface as Expected'

Mar. 15, 2025

Close up of a men’s quadruple skulls rowing team.Photo:36clicks/Getty

36clicks/Getty

A champion rower has died while free-diving.

According to aGoFundMepage, shared last week, 27-year-old Austin Regier died in the Philippines on November 14, 2024.

“He was swimming with new friends when he did not surface as expected and medical professionals were unable to resuscitate him,” a message from Regier’s family read on the GoFundMe page.

“Austin was such a lightning bolt, a ray of sunshine, a booming voice and big beard,” they continued, adding that he had a “tenacious appetite for competition and his discipline and commitment to sports and the teammates that he loved.”

The family added that Regier was a cyclor on the New York Yacht Club’s American Magic team, and spent the last year of his life training and competing in Barcelona, Spain.

“He was on his travel stint through Southeast Asia for six weeks before returning home to Seattle Washington when the Lord decided it was time to call him home,” they wrote.

Terry Hutchinson, President of Sailing Operations and Skipper for NYYC American Magic, spoke toKOMO Newsabout Regier’s contribution to the team.

“He came to work every day with a great energy and a certain level of positivity that helped cement his place inside of American Magic,” Hutchinson said. “The rowing mentality that he and some of the guys that came with to the team, their upbringing was right for what they were doing on our America’s Cup boat.”

An island beach lagoon in the Philippines.Jaris Ho/Getty

Jaris Ho/Getty

Regier, who was a former Washington oarsman and IRA champion, also received a tribute from UW men’s rowing head coach Michael Callahan.

“Austin had a special spirit he brought to life,“Callahan said. “He always jumped into his communities with both feet and left a positive impact on everyone who had the honor of spending time with him.”

“He had a contagious, positive attitude and was wise for being so young,” he continued. “He was a man of the highest character, conviction, and insuppressible joy. He had a passion adventure, competition and camaraderie.”

“Austin was a Washington oarsmen to his core,” Callahan added. “His heart for loving people and his faith was evident every day, and to all who knew him.”

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“Austin joined American Magic as a cyclor, where his extraordinary blend of engineering expertise, athletic talent, and unrelenting determination made him an invaluable member of the team,” they added. “A graduate of the University of Washington, Austin was a national champion rower, a dedicated teammate, and a source of inspiration for everyone he encountered. His journey to the America’s Cup showcased not only his athletic ability but also his commitment to the highest levels of performance.““Austin played a pivotal role in our 37th America’s Cup campaign in Barcelona, giving his all to help our team achieve its goals,” the team added. “But beyond his professional achievements, Austin will be remembered for his kindness, humility, and the friendships he built along the way.“His legacy as a sailor, teammate, and friend will forever remain a part of American Magic’s story, the tribute continued. “Rest in peace, Austin. You will always be part of the American Magic family.”

source: people.com