The Cal family lost a young Calympian with the tragic passing of David Torrence. Torrence was found unconscious in the bottom of his condo complex pool in early Monday morning in Scottsdale, Arizona where he had just moved few weeks ago to train. Where there is no signs of obvious foul play, according to the police, there is no official word yet from the medical examiner.
David Torrence was a first time Calympian in 2016 Rio Olympics when he represented Peru in the 5000m run. He qualified for the final and placed 15th. Torrence, grew up in America and competed for the United States before switching to represent Peru just before the 2016 Rio Games. Torrence was raised mostly by his mother and the Peruvian side of the family after his father passed away when David was 6.
Cal Track has the following statement from director Tony Sandoval on Torrence:
"I'm in shock and heartbroken in learning of David Torrence's tragic death in an apparent pool accident this morning," Cal director of track & field Tony Sandoval said. "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. He was the heart and soul of the revival of the distance program while at Cal. He loved Berkeley and had so much pride in being a Golden Bear. My thoughts and prayers go out to his mother, Bianca, and his sister."
They also listed his long list of Cal records during his time in Berkeley (2004-2008), competing in Cross Country, Indoor Track and Outdoor Track events. Torrence graduated with a degree in Ethnic Studies.
Torrence set the Cal freshman record in the 1500 meters in 2004 with a time of 3:43.62 – a record that continues to stand more than 13 years later. He ran a person-best 3:40.80 in the 1500 as a junior, which ranked No. 2 in school history at the time.
In addition, Torrence established the Cal record in the mile in 2007, with his time of 3:58.62 breaking Don Bowden's 50-year-old mark of 3:58.7 from 1957. Later that season, Torrence finished 13th in the 1500 meters at the NCAA Championships, crossing in 3:43.43. The following year, he place 10th in the event at NCAA's.
During indoor racing, Torrence helped the distance medley relay to a runner-up finish at the 2007 NCAA Championships with a time of 9:33.77.
Torrence also competed in cross country, earning all-region honors and leading the Bears to an 18th-place national finish his senior season.
The US track community is also mourning the passing of Torrence.
The track world lost a great friend and athlete today. Rest in peace, David Torrence. pic.twitter.com/iaCtDuFErk
— USATF (@usatf) August 29, 2017
Heartbreaking news: David Torrence died today in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was 31. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— CITIUS MAG (@CitiusMag) August 29, 2017
RIP pic.twitter.com/jvOpGnZ4Fc
It is heartbreaking to see such a young person die so suddenly. On behalf of the rest of the CGB writers, I would like to send our thoughts to David Torrence’s family and friends.
Rest In Peace