Now that the 2019 FINA World Aquatics Championships have concluded, the Masters portion of the biannual competition is now underway in Gwangju, Korea. The pool swimming events of the Masters competition begin Monday, August 12th, but Masters water polo competition took place all last week, culminating with its finals yesterday at Nambu University.
In a Saturday match against Australia’s Perth Cockatoos, an American water polo player died after suffering an acute heart attack. According to the Gwangju organizing committee, the 70-year-old player, whose name has not yet been released, lost consciousness in the match around 2:28 pm local time on Saturday.
The athlete was immediately removed from the water and given CPR, then transported to a nearby hospital where he underwent surgery. The man died at 5:30 am the following day.
The Korea Times reports that the American player had suffered from angina and arteriosclerosis for some time.
Officials will be meeting the athlete’s family members at the U.S. Embassy in Seol to discuss returning his body to the United States.
The World Masters Championships concludes on August 18th.
Update since original publishing: athlete’s name was Bob Wake.
He was adament that he did not want a funeral, so we had a memorial instead in Washington and he is going to Hawaii to be buried in the PunchBowl. He told Dee to make a reservation of two places because he did not want to sleep alone.
That was my Grandpa. thank you for all the love and support people here and around the world has been. My Grandma, Dee Wake, is grateful for the prayers.
Sean I was at your grandfathers memorial in Washington and played water polo with him in High School and AAU. Bob was a great person and great left hand shooter. He and I texted each other the day he had the heart attack saying we were going to play together one more time before we both retired. Sadly this will have to happen up in heaven with all the other great water polo players that have passed. Please say hello to Dee from Jim and Jody Ferguson
Bob Wake was a great team mate and I was blessed to know him. The entire Blue Thunder Water Polo club will miss you Bob! When it is my time I want to go doing something I love – you lived well! May those left behind have peace and be blessed by your life and memory. JH
Died doing what he loved to do on the world’s biggest stage. RIP
This is honestly how I’d want to go.
This is tragic, prayers for the family that he can return home safely