Police identify Special Olympian who died after swimming – Baltimore Sun

A Special Olympics Maryland athlete died after participating in a swimming competition Saturday, according to the organization.

Special Olympics Maryland officials and police at Towson University, where the event was held over the weekend, identified the athlete as Tresaraie Dalana Shavers, 48. She had addresses listed in Baltimore and Reisterstown in a police report.

A swim coach told police that Shavers was competing the first lap of a backstroke competition around 11 a.m. when another coach saw Shavers’ jaw tighten and her body move in the opposite direction of her swim, according to the police report. The two coaches and another woman jumped into the pool to rescue her, and she appeared to be unconscious but breathing when she was removed, according to the report.

Medics from Baltimore County and those hired for the event performed CPR, and Shavers was taken to University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center. Shavers died at the hospital later that day.

About 1,500 athletes competed over the weekend in a variety of events, including swimming, track and field, bocce ball, cheerleading and softball.

“Tressie was a brave, determined and vibrant young woman and was taking positive steps to improve her health and fitness,” Special Olympics Maryland officials said in a statement. “We mourn and celebrate her life and ask everyone to please respect the privacy of her family and her Special Olympics family during this difficult time.”

Shavers had Williams syndrome, Special Olympics Maryland spokesman Jason Schriml said. It is a genetic disorder that is often associated with cardiovascular problems, as well as learning disabilities and distinctive facial features.

She had participated in Special Olympics Maryland events for the past several years, Schriml said.

Organizers are awaiting word from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner on what caused Shavers’ death, Schriml said. Once they are able to investigate further, they plan to “look at appropriate responses” to ensure safety, he said.

cwells@baltsun.com

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