U.S. swimmer dies in UAE

Fran Crippen died Saturday during the last leg of the Marathon Swimming World Cup.

Crippen’s body is expected to be returned to the U.S. today. Although the 26-year-old Philadelphia native was said to be in perfect health, it’s believed he fell unconscious and drowned during the outdoor race. UAE Swimming Federation Secretary Saeed Al Hamour said that initial tests indicated extreme exhaustion was behind the death. The International Swimming Federation said the incident is still under investigation. During the competition the outdoor temperature was 38 C and the water was 30.5 C, causing some to speculate that heat was a factor. Crippen won gold in the 10-km race at the 2007 Pan Am Games and bronze in the same race at the 2009 World Championships.