Olympic runner David Torrence, who represented the US before switching allegiance to Peru to compete at the Rio Olympics in 2016, has been found dead at the bottom of a swimming pool in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was 31 years old.
The middle-distance runner was pulled from a swimming pool at a condominium complex in Scottsdale at around 7.30am on Monday and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Torrence had reportedly gone to Scottsdale to train.
“Detectives learned that there were no obvious signs of foul play,” a police statement said.
Torrence switched to Peru – his mother’s home country – and set national records in the mile and 1,500m events as recently as June.
After the news of Torrence’s death was reported, tributes came in from friends and fellow athletes.
His friend Kyle Merber paid tribute to the runner, and announced that a race would be named in his honor.
The USA Track and Field team also mourned the loss.
American runner Leo Manzano, a silver medallist in the 1500m at the 2012 London Games, also paid tribute.
Paul Chelino, who won silver in the 5,000m in Rio and a bronze medal at the World Championships in London in August, also expressed his shock at the news.
I’m just shocked:flushed: woke up from a nap only to hear David Torrence is dead:weary:…May he RIP:weary:
— Paul Chelimo:flag-us: (@Paulchelimo) 29 August 2017
Police continue to investigate Torrence’s death, the cause of which will be determined by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office.
