US Paralympic Swim Coach Jimi Flowers Killed During a Climbing Accident

Swim Coach Jimi Flowers is dead following a climbing accident near Aspen, CO. Jimi was most recently coaching with the US Paralympic team, but has a long history in swimming. Jimi served as USA Swimming's National Team Director from 1989 through 1993. He coached with many teams, including Auburn University; he also worked with the US Olympic Committee.

From USA Swimming's Executive Director, Chuch Wielgus: We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Jimi Flowers. Jimi was a wonderful man and a friend to so many of us in the swimming family and in the Olympic community. Our thoughts and prayers today are with Jimi's family as well as with our friends at U.S. Paralympics.

From the USOC: Our entire USOC organization is shocked and saddened by the tragic death of our friend and colleague, Jimi Flowers. Jimi was an incredible coach who developed numerous Olympic and Paralympic champions. He was passionate about swimming, dedicated to helping others and was such an inspiration to athletes, colleagues and all who knew him.