Coroner’s report released in America’s Cup death

(October 15, 2013) – Blows to the head, body and limbs contributed to the drowning death of America’s Cup sailor Andrew Simpson following a May training accident, according to a report from the San Francisco medical examiner published today in Bloomberg.

Simpson drowned following the May 9 wreck of the 72-foot catamaran sailed by the Swedish Artemis Racing team on San Francisco Bay, the coroner’s office said in a report released today. Blunt trauma also contributed, though the report didn’t specify how.

The 36-year-old British sailor, who won gold and silver medals with Iain Percy at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, suffered wounds to the head along with cuts and bruises to his torso, arms and legs, according to the report.

Simpson died after he was trapped beneath a section of the capsized yacht, out of sight from other vessels and divers searching for him.

That accident, the second involving the AC72 after eventual champion Oracle Team USA capsized last October, spurred four investigations, dozens of new safety rules and renewed debate about whether technology had advanced faster than sailors’ ability to use it safely.

Note:  The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation was established to honour Andrew’s legacy and encourage youngsters into sailing.