Special Olympics athlete dies of medical emergency during Summer Games

Special Olympics
Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games are being held in Bloomington-Normal this weekend. (Photo courtesy Facebook/SpecialOlympicsIllinois)

By Eric Stock

NORMAL – A Special Olympics athlete died Saturday after what officials said was a medical emergency during a swimming competition at Normal West High School’s pool.

Special Olympics Assistant Director or Communications and Media Relations Alexandra McMillin said in a statement lifeguards and emergency medical technicians were on site already, according to Special Olympics Illinois protocol and responded immediately. The athlete was taken to Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal.

“After much medical effort by the first responders and medical team at the hospital, the athlete was not able to be resuscitated,” the statement said.

Special Olympics said the athlete’s name and cause of death have not been released out of respect for the family’s privacy.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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