Former collegiate rower traveling world dies free-diving abroad. ‘Ray of sunshine’
A former national champion rower for the University of Washington in Seattle died in a free-diving accident while traveling in Southeast Asia.
Austin Regier, 27, also was part of an American yacht racing team.
He died Nov. 15 while free-diving in Barracuda Lake in the Philippines, his family wrote in a Facebook post.
“He was swimming with new friends when he did not surface as expected and medical professionals were unable to resuscitate him,” the post read.
Relatives described him as a “ray of sunshine,” with a booming voice and big beard.
“He was known for his ability to talk to and love on anybody, his tenacious appetite for competition, and his discipline and commitment to the sports and the teammates that he loved, and most of all his uncompromising love for the Lord,” his family said.
Regier had planned to return to Seattle after traveling for six weeks, his family said.
The trip appears to have been part of a life marked by adventure and competition.
Regier spent the last year of his life in Barcelona, Spain, training and competing as part of the New York Yacht Club’s American Magic team, his family said.
The team described the 27-year-old as “an invaluable member.”
“Austin played a pivotal role in our 37th America’s Cup campaign in Barcelona, giving his all to help our team achieve its goals,” the team said in a statement. “But beyond his professional achievements, Austin will be remembered for his kindness, humility, and the friendships he built along the way.”
At the University of Washington, Regier was remembered for his achievements and character.
He walked on to the rowing team after graduating from Mount Rainier High School, south of Seattle, and won a national championship in 2021 in his final college race, the university said.
“Austin had a special spirit he brought to life,” said Michael Callahan, men’s rowing head coach, in the statement. “He always jumped into his communities with both feet, and left a positive impact on everyone who had the honor of spending time with him. He had a contagious, positive attitude and was wise for being so young..”
After graduating college, Regier, who earned an engineering degree, lived in Wisconsin, where he helped with the youth group at his church, his family said.
“Austin’s commitment to his faith, his family, his friends, and every stranger that crossed his path was electric,” his family said. “Every interaction with Austin included a cheerful greeting, intentional questions, and thoughtful remarks. He truly was a magnificent soul, always selfless in his actions and not a malicious bone in his body. He leaves his family here on this earth heartbroken and devastated.”
This story was originally published November 20, 2024 at 11:14 AM with the headline "Former collegiate rower traveling world dies free-diving abroad. ‘Ray of sunshine’."
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