A University of Washington rower has died following a free-diving accident in the Philippines.
Austin Regier, 27, had been traveling through the country on a six-week vacation when he drowned in Barracuda Lake on Friday.Â
According to his sister Brooke, her brother was swimming with friends when he ‘did not surface as expected’ and medical teams were unable to resuscitate him.Â
In a post to social media, Brooke described her brother, who is from Seattle, as ‘a lightning bolt, a ray of sunshine, a booming voice, and a big beard’.Â
Regier was an accomplished rower, having won a national championship for his alma mater in his final collegiate race of his career in 2021.
Most recently he was training and competing alongside the New York Yacht Club’s American Magic team, working in Barcelona, Spain.Â
He had played a part in the team’s America’s Cup campaign, with American Magic sharing a tribute to him on their site.Â
The group said: ‘We are heartbroken to share the tragic news of the passing of Austin Regier, a beloved member of the NYYC American Magic team, following a free-diving accident in the Philippines.’
According to his sister Brooke, her brother was swimming with friends when he ‘did not surface as expected’
Regier had been free diving in Barracuda Lake in the Philippines, seen here, when he passed away
Their statement continued: ‘Â Austin played a pivotal role in our 37th America’s Cup campaign in Barcelona, giving his all to help our team achieve its goals.Â
‘But beyond his professional achievements, Austin will be remembered for his kindness, humility, and the friendships he built along the way.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Austin’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.Â
‘His legacy as a sailor, teammate, and friend will forever remain a part of American Magic’s story. Rest in peace, Austin. You will always be part of the American Magic family.’
His former coach at the University of Washington Michael Callahan has since described him as having a ‘contagious, positive attitude’.Â
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 was a man of the highest character, conviction, and insuppressible joy. He had a passion adventure, competition and camaraderie.’
On Monday night, his former university teammates met up at a local bar to remember him.Â
His former coach at the University of Washington Michael Callahan has described him as having a ‘contagious, positive attitude’
Most recently he was training and competing alongside the New York Yacht Club’s American Magic team, working in Barcelona, Spain
Former teammate Madison Molitor was asked by KING 5 what he would want Regier to know.Â
Molitor told the outlet: ‘I’d probably tell him, just, ‘Thank you’. Thank you for being such an example in how to… how to live a life touching so many people.’Â
Since his passing was announced on social media, a GoFundMe has been launched to help his family.Â
With a target of $50,000, donations have already beaten that and raised over $73,000.Â
His sister added: ‘Austin’s commitment to his faith, his family, his friends, and every stranger that crossed his path was electric.Â
‘Every interaction with Austin included a cheerful greeting, intentional questions, and thoughtful remarks.Â
‘He truly was a magnificent soul, always selfless in his actions and not a malicious bone in his body.Â
‘He leaves his family here on this earth, heartbroken and devastated. We are humbled and appreciative of the love and support we have received from his communities over the past couple of days.’
