Gainesville swimmer Christie Bassett has passed away after injuries sustained from a car accident on Thursday, making her the third high school swimmer nationally reported to have died in the last week.
Bassett was a junior at Bucholz High School in Gainesville and swam for High Tide Aquatics. She was a state qualifier in Florida for the 2014-2015 State Championship meet.
According to Gainesville.com, Bassett was driving around 2PM on Friday when her car swerved to the right onto a “sloped grass shoulder” and hit an oak tree. According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, Bassett was not wearing a seatbelt at the time.
Jake Miller, a Louisville commit and Illinois high school state champion; and Hempfield High School (PA) captain Judson Shiffler have also passed away in the last week.
Bassett, like Shiffler, died in a single car crash, and was also a part of the group that runs the @iswimwithissues Twitter account. On her Instagram account, after Shiffler’s death, she referred to him as her “best friend.”
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Its almost been a year.. I barely knew her but she’s still always in my thoughts.
Very, very sad news. Thinking of you all. Jeffrey and family, Llanelli, Wales
Another loss of a promising young swimmer and overall wonderful person. Prayers to her family and teammates.
I am sad for all of the families that suffer tragedies such as these. My heart also goes out to the families and those that called them friends…
What a loss to our swim family. She was a joy to watch. My daughter competed against Christie with her club and HS teams, I had several swim mom discussions with her Mom. My prayers go out to all who loved her.
Condolences to the family. Our sport lost some great people this week.