Arizona Swim Coach Kerry Croswhite Battling COVID-19 Infection

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Photo Courtesy: Andy Ross

Longtime Chandler swimming coach Kerry Croswhite is in the hospital battling for his life after testing positive for COVID-19.

Croswhite, 61, fell ill on June 22. He initially tested negative for coronavirus after a stint of isolation, but his symptoms worsened on June 30. He was hospitalized twice, the second including a chest X-ray that diagnosed double pneumonia and returned a positive COVID-19 tests. He was move to the intensive care unit this week.

Croswhite’s family has set up a Caring Bridge account where his wife, Laurie, is providing updates on his progress. The family also set up a GoFundMe page to offset the cost of medical care, which as of Friday morning was near its goal.

Laurie’s latest update Friday morning was that Kerry Croswhite had, “best night that she has had with him in the ICU, where he has no major negative event.” Levels like his blood oxygenation and potassium appear to be stabilizing.

Croswhite has been the boys and girls swimming and diving coach at Chandler High School for 15 years. Per the Arizona Republic, he’s “known for playing his bagpipes as walkup music to the pool deck for his swimmers before big races.” He also plays the bagpipes before football games and works the gym scoreboard at basketball games. He was profiled by the Republic in 2008 after saving a swimmer’s life while they were having a seizure.

“He has had and continues to have such a huge impact on Chandler High School students and student-athletes,” Chandler Athletic Director Jim Culver told the Republic. “Kerry is always willing to go out of his way to help others in need. He and his family need our thoughts, prayers and support during this tough time.”

To keep up with Kerry Croswhite’s journey, follow this link to his Caring Bridge journal. The GoFundMe page is available here.

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Anonymous

3 years ago

Good for him.