Spencer Korwin, 38, of Manhattan, a former member of Team USA and a father of two, died after drowning during a morning swim on Wednesday while on vacation at the Pridwin Hotel on Shelter Island, New York.
Korwin entered the water around 8 a.m. on Wednesday. His body was discovered approximately seven hours later, submerged beneath the hotel's docks, according to Shelter Island Police Chief James Read. Marine and air units were deployed in the search for Korwin after he disappeared during his swim.
Officials believe Korwin's death was the result of an accidental drowning. The official cause of death is pending the medical examiner's report. The waters in the area can be subject to strong currents due to the narrow passage, and authorities noted that tides, currents, and boat traffic are always considerations in the open water.
Korwin, a graduate of Syracuse University, represented Team USA in 2012 at the Triathlon World Championship in Auckland, New Zealand. He was also sponsored by Gatorade for five years during his athletic career.
Following his athletic career, Korwin founded a children's outdoor summer camp in Southampton in 2020 and later established Korwin Health & Wellness, a company focused on personal fitness and holistic health. He also worked as a trainer for SportsLab NYC.
Korwin is survived by his wife and two young children, Colette, 4, and Sadie, 1. A GoFundMe campaign established to support his children has raised over $270,000 toward its $300,000 goal.
Korwin's death marks the second drowning off Shelter Island this summer. On May 16, college student Timothy Magambo drowned near Wades Beach.