The devastated widow of Spencer Korwin, a former Team USA triathlete and father of two, broke down in tears on Sunday during an emotional tribute at his funeral service. Korwin, 38, of Manhattan, drowned while on vacation on Shelter Island.
Carly Korwin spoke through sobs at Temple Israel in New York City, describing the loss as a "nightmare" and "the worst day of my life." She shared that her husband was "more than I could ever have dreamed of" as a spouse, father, and friend. "He was the best human I have ever met, and he was the love of my life," she said, recounting their "beautiful and special once-in-a-lifetime type of love."
The couple, who graduated from Syracuse University, had two daughters, Sadie, 4, and Colette, 1. Carly described Spencer's thoughtful gestures, including notes he left around their apartment and automated texts reminding her of his love and her capabilities as a mother and wife.
Korwin disappeared during his morning swim around 8 a.m. on Wednesday at the Pridwin Hotel. His body was discovered around 3 p.m. beneath the hotel's docks. Shelter Island Police Chief James Read noted that while the waters were calm, the currents in the narrow passage can be strong, and factors like tides and boat traffic are always considerations in the open water.
Officials believe the death was accidental drowning, with the official cause pending the medical examiner's report. Korwin was a member of Team USA in 2012, competing in the Triathlon World Championship in Auckland, New Zealand. He was also sponsored by Gatorade for five years.
In addition to 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.
A GoFundMe page established to support his children aims to raise $500,000 and had garnered nearly $340,000 as of Sunday night. A family friend described Korwin as "the sun around which so many of our lives orbited."
Korwin's death marks the second drowning off Shelter Island this summer. Timothy Magambo, a college student, drowned on May 16 off Wades Beach. Authorities advise swimmers to be cautious of water depth and strong currents.