Ty Wells, a recent graduate of the University of Arizona and a member of the university’s swim team, died unexpectedly on Friday. He was 23. The cause of his death has not been disclosed, according to the Arizona Daily Star.
“Several people close to the program [said] that rumors circulating that the death was caused by a motorcycle accident are untrue, and that the Arizona medical examiner is still working to determine the cause of death,” SwimSwam reported.
A statement posted on Arizona’s athletic department website said Wells swam for the university from 2018 to 2022. “On behalf of the entire University of Arizona community, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Wells family along with Ty’s friends, teammates, classmates and colleagues,” said vice president and director of athletics Dave Heeke.
“Ty was a tremendous young man who proudly represented the University of Arizona in the pool, classroom and community. He was a light that shined bright in the lives of everyone he came across, and we will keep him and his loved ones in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”
Wells is still listed on the Arizona swim roster as a fifth-year student. In a GoFundMe appeal, Ian Ingram wrote, “Our Arizona Wildcat swimming family was devastated at the sudden passing of one of our most adored swimmers this past Friday.
“He was a guiding light to all of his friends and teammates as well as to all of us parents. He brought out the best in all of us and cared so deeply for all of his friends. His spirit was contagious, his smile lit up a room and he was a big brother to so many.”
“He was an incredible young man who left his mark on all of us. He will be remembered by all of us with love in our hearts, FOREVER!! We are all better for knowing this beautiful young man.” (SOURCE)
