Drury swimmer Wen Xu (Courtesy: Drury Athletics)
Updated with official statement on Thursday evening:
Drury swimmer “Ariel” Wen Xu passed away on Thursday after suffering what appeared to be a seizure during the team’s practice. Sources tell SwimSwam that her teammates immediately pulled her from the water and administered CPR and AED in an attempt to revive her, but were unable to do so.
According to a statement released by Drury on Thursday evening, paramedics were called immediately and was taken to Mercy Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Her next-of-kin have been notified in China.
Xu came to Drury from Shanghai, China as a sophomore, and in 2 seasons with the team made an immediate impact in the pool. In 2016 as a junior, she broke the school record and NCAA D2 record, and won the NCAA Division II National title, in the 50 free, and also won titles as part of the 200 medley and freestyle relays.
Drury has completed its regular season meets, and are next scheduled to swim at the GLVC Championships from February 8th-11th.
Statement released by Drury University on Thursday evening:
It is with a heavy heart that Drury University notified our campus community this evening that a member of the Panther family has died.
Wen Xu, 22, a swimmer and international student from Shanghai,China, was pronounced dead this evening at Mercy Hospital. Xu, who goes by the American name Ariel, was with the team in swim practice this afternoon when she experienced a medical emergency. Paramedics were called immediately. Ariel was taken to Mercy and pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Her next of kin has been notified in China.
Wen was an Advertising/PR major and was a decorated member of the women’s swimming team. She held several records, including events in the Breech Pool, Great Lakes Valley Conference, and NCAA-II National Meets. She was a two-time all-academic all-conference award winner, which means she maintained a 3.30 cumulative GPA.
Drury’s counselors are offering support to Wen’s teammates and her roommate this evening, and we are the counselors and our university chaplain are available to the entire student body, as well as faculty and staff, for any needed support. A celebration of life will be planned for the campus community at a later date.
“This is a terrible tragedy, and we ask that the community keep our students and Ariel’s family in their thoughts and prayers. Our condolences are with Ariel’s family, and with her teammates and coaches,” said Drury President Dr. Tim Cloyd.
So sad to hear of her passing. My best friend was one of the first ones on the scene performing CPR until EMS arrived. She’s having a hard time coping with having lost someone right in front of her as I’m sure many of the swimmers are. Keep the whole team, coaches, staff, and Xu’s family in your thoughts and prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ariel’s family, friends and swim family. I have personally watched an entire community rally around those that are hurting and it is a sight to behold. The support coming in from all over the country is remarkable. Thinking of the Panthers as they head to Indiana today with an empty seat on that bus.
I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and her teammates.
Our thoughts are with her, her family, the Drury swimming community and the rest of her friends. Such a tragic and unexpected event.
I’m sorry for family, friends and admirers. I cannot imagine the loss of your child, teammate and friend. I pray that the team and Ariels family are appropriately cared for.
This is sad news. My condolences to her friends and family.
Does anyone know if the family has the means to transport her body back home? This is a pretty hefty expense. Is the school (or any other entity or person) helping the family with this?
Bit of an insensitive question to ask, don’t you think? Not really anyone’s business except for those close to the deceased
Not if her intentions are to help. That was one of the first things that I thought too. It can be challenging and expensive to get remains from one country to another. I’m sure many would be willing to step up and help the family. The swimming community is an amazing one.
Cremation is the method of disposal for urban China . Some rurals bury the body – often illegally – but space is kinda scarce . From what I have seen a family member comes over to perform rituals & colect the ashes .
I think a fund could have been arranged so you should check with the college .
So very sorry. Prayers for the family and her teammates. Was immediately concerned about shallow water blackout as have witnessed seizure from same in otherwise perfectly healthy swimmer. Hoping not.