GettyAmerican middle-distance runner, David Torrence, who ran alongside Mo Farah in the Rio 2016 Olympics, has been found dead at the bottom of a swimming pool, aged 31.
Torrence won silver medals for USA at the World Relay Championships in 2014 and at the Pan American Games in 2015, before representing Peru at the Rio Olympics.
Police said emergency services were called to the pool in Arizona where David Torrence was pronounced dead at the scene and there were ‘no obvious signs of foul play’ according to BBC Sport.
The track world lost a great friend and athlete today. Rest in peace, David Torrence. pic.twitter.com/iaCtDuFErk
— USATF (@usatf) August 29, 2017
It’s not clear how long the athlete had been in the water before emergency services arrived.
Team USA runner Leo Manzano, who won silver in the 1500m at the 2012 London Olympics and Canadian track and field Olympian Nate Brannen were among those to pay tribute to David on Twitter.
I'm just shocked? woke up from a nap only to hear David Torrence is dead?…May he RIP?
— Paul Chelimo?? (@Paulchelimo) August 29, 2017
In complete shock to hear of the passing of David Torrence. Great guy and friend. He will be deeply missed.
— Nate Brannen (@natebrannen) August 29, 2017
It saddens to to hear about my former teammate David Torrence. My heart goes out to him and his family. https://t.co/plkzGPt28d
— Leo Manzano (@Leomanzano) August 29, 2017
Such sad news. When I think of David Torrence he's smiling, brightening a room, passionately chasing down dreams, being a force for good?RIP
— Molly Huddle (@MollyHuddle) August 29, 2017
David had set the Peruvian national record in the mile run on June 1, 2017 when he won the event at the Adrian Martinez Classic, in Massachusetts, in 3 minutes, 53.21 seconds.
So tragic.