Emory Swimmer Dies After Workout

ATLANTA, Georgia, December 21. MADELEINE Brown, an Emory University freshman IMer/flyer passed away Saturday after falling unconscious during practice Saturday morning according to a report posted on CollegeSwimming.com sent to them by a student at the university. The Atlanta native was taken to the hospital by first responders after having been discovered unconscious in the water during varsity swim practice Saturday morning at the Woodruff Physical Education Center.

According to an e-mail sent to all Emory students, the University's counseling center and office of religious life are offering counseling and spiritual support to Madeleine's teammates, classmates, family and friends.

"Madeleine was a wonderful and very well-liked student and member of the swim team," said Emory athletic director Betsy Stephenson. "Her sudden loss is traumatic and deeply upsetting for everyone who knew her. We feel devastated."

Emory University President James W. Wagner said: "This is a stunning blow for all of us at Emory. My heart goes out especially to Madeleine's parents and her other family members. As a parent myself I grieve with them."

Emory University students were just finishing final examinations as the news of Ms. Brown's death spread. A wake will be held Thursday evening from 6-8 pm at the HM Patterson and Sons Funeral Home, 4550 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta. The Funeral will be held on Friday, Dec. 22, 1:30 pm at Christ the King Cathedral, 2699 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta. In the meantime, the family has requested any donations be sent to: Mercy Care at St. Joseph's Hospital, 673 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Ste. 650, Atlanta, GA 30342.

Those unable to make the funeral can pay their respects on a Facebook group that has been established for her. Last season the Eagles won their second-consecutive NCAA Division III title. Ms. Brown's death comes three years after the last death during a collegiate practice, when Michael Sheldt died during a University of Hawaii practice. Tragedy also struck Emory fifteen years ago when All-American Tom Aliberti passed away just prior to his enrollment in medical school. A plaque on the mezzanine level of the Woodruff Center honors his life and accomplishments.

Special thanks to CollegeSwimming.com for the permission to reprint this article.

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