Princeton University Athletics
Sophomore Alan Ebersole Dies In Accidental Drowning
October 30, 2004 | Men's Swimming and Diving
Oct. 30, 2004
Sophomore Alan Ebersole, of Vicksburg, Miss., and a member of the University's Men's Swimming and Diving team, died in an accident while swimming in the Atlantic Ocean off the Florida coast. He was 20 years old.
Broward County Sheriff's officials said preliminary reports indicate that this was an accidental death by drowning. No foul play, alcohol or drugs were involved in the incident, officials said.
Ebersole was training with the Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving teams in Deerfield Beach, Fla., during the fall semester recess. Ebersole and two teammates left their hotel room around 10:30 p.m. Friday for a late night swim in the ocean, sheriff's officials said. The other students, who emerged from the water approximately a half hour later, were unable to locate Ebersole. Public safety officials in Broward County located his body around 1 a.m. Saturday three-quarters of a mile away from where the group was swimming, officials said. Ebersole, who lived in Butler College, competed in the 200- and 100-meter breaststroke. He was studying Spanish and politics, among other academic pursuits. In Vicksburg, Ebersole graduated in 2003 from St. Aloysius High School and was salutatorian of his class. He was a member of the high school's swim team coached by his father, Bruce.
President Shirley M. Tilghman, who is traveling in Asia, was notified and expressed her sincere condolences to Ebersole's family, friends and teammates. Earlier today, Provost Christopher L. Eisgruber spoke with Ebersole's parents and also notified the campus community of the loss.
"This is another tragic and untimely loss for our community," said Janet Smith Dickerson, vice president for campus life. "We deeply regret this tragedy and extend our sympathy to Alan's family, friends and teammates."
Survivors include his parents, Bruce Alan and Story Stamm Ebersole, and younger brothers, John Bernard and James Stamm, all of Vicksburg.
Students from the swim teams, who have been receiving grief counseling in Florida, gathered on the beach Saturday morning to place flowers in the water and pay their respects to Ebersole. The teams are scheduled to return to Princeton on Sunday.
"Our heart goes out to the family, to the members of the swim team and the coaches," said Gary Walters, Princeton director of athletics. "This makes one ponder these kinds of events but, more importantly, it makes us value the friendships we have."
An informal gathering in Ebersole's honor will be held at Wu Lounge in Butler College at 8 p.m. tonight. A vigil for students and other community members will be held at 9:30 p.m. Sunday in the Chancellor Green rotunda. Counselors from University Health Services and religious life deans will be available for students, faculty and staff during the gatherings.
University Health Services is open 24 hours and students may also call the Counseling and Psychological Services team at 258-3139 or 258-3285.
Funeral and memorial service arrangements are pending.