A retired professor at the University of North Carolina is presumed to have died as a result of his disappearance during a marathon swim in New York last Friday, the New York Post reported.
Charles van der Horst, 67, went underwater near the finish of the sixth stage of the eight-stage swim, according to a Facebook post from New York Open Water. The 120-mile race is the longest swimming race in the world, according to the organization. Organizers canceled the final day of the swim after van der Horst went missing.
Van der Horst was last seen around 3:15 p.m. Friday on the New Jersey side of the George Washington Bridge. “There were eyes on him when he initially went under,” Coast Guard Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier told NJ.com. “We utilized all our assets but were unable to find him.”
Between 6:45 and 7:30, according to differing reports, the search had turned from a rescue to recovery operation, and then was called off for the night. The search picked up again Saturday morning but was unsuccessful.
Van der Horst attended Harvard Medical School, and in a statement to The News and Observer, UNC said that he was an internationally known HIV/AIDS researcher.
“Dr. Charles van der Horst was a passionate and dedicated researcher, clinician and colleague during his many years at UNC. He was recognized as a leader in the research and treatment of HIV/AIDS, in North Carolina and worldwide,” the statement said. “He was an incredible force for good, and led by his example of dedication to science and service. Our UNC School of Medicine team is saddened by the news. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Update: Van der Horst’s body was recovered from the Hudson River Tuesday, the New York Post reported.
I swam with Charlie in Chapel Hill from 1988-1993. The world has lost a great man.
Charlie was a gentleman warrior in all aspects of his life. He will be greatly missed. #livelikecharlie
The NC swim community is in shock. He was known and loved by all, and a great inspiration to us – both in the water and out. A lovely article about Charlie written a few years ago by David McGlynn for USMS Swimmer magazine: https://www.facebook.com/longswims/posts/1132658266925772
Charles was a great person, loved by many, such a tragic loss! He was just a great guy! Many masters swimmers, are just in shock! God speed Charlie!
Very Sad