Former Cal Berkeley, Olympic runner found dead in pool
Cal Athletics
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (KTVU, AP) - UC Berkeley is mourning the death of a former student turned Olympic runner, who was found at the bottom of a swimming pool in Scottsdale, Arizona on Monday.
Police say 31-year-old David Torrence was found unconscious in a pool at a condominium complex.
Firefighters arrived on scene, where he was pronounced dead.
The Southern California resident came to Scottsdale a few weeks ago to train, according to investigators.
At UC Berkeley, officials expressed shock and sadness over the news.
"I can't think of anyone of my guys who best represented all that's good about Cal cross country and track & field. He was a runner from Loyola High School who dedicated himself at Cal and afterwards to become an Olympian, American-record holder and an athlete who everyone loved and respected," Cal director of track & field Tony Sandoval said in a statement.
"He was the heart and soul of the revival of the distance program while at Cal," Sandoval added.
Cal officials noted that Torrence was an exceptional runner whose accomplishments are still remembered years after he left the school.
He set the Cal freshman record in the 1500 meters in 2004, with a time of 3:43.62. It's a record that continues to stand more than 13 years later.
As a junior, he ran a personal best 3:40.80 in the 1500, which ranked No. 2 in school history at the time.
In 2007, Torrence also set the Cal record in the mile with his time of 3:58.62.
He also competed in cross country, earning all-region honors and led Cal to an 18th place national finish his senior season.
In 2016, Torrence made it to the Summer Olympics in Rio. He represented Peru, where his mother was born.
Police are investigating his death and say there are no obvious signs of foul play.
The cause of death will be determined by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office.
Torrence was born in Japan and was raised in California.
"He loved Berkeley and had so much pride in being a Golden Bear," Cal officials said.