Authorities have released the cause of death for former University of Arizona swimmer Ty Wells.
The Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office said the 23-year-old Well died Jan. 27 of natural causes “secondary to a disseminated streptococcal bacterial infection following a protracted upper respiratory tract infection.”
Authorities said the results came from a postmortem examination with subsequent laboratory testing.
Wells swam for the Wildcats from 2018-22 and specialized in breaststroke.
Arizona athletic director Dave Heeke lauded Wells in his weekly Wednesday newsletter.
“Ty was a decorated swimmer, dedicated student and outstanding leader who was a member of our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and was passionate about serving in the community,” Heeke wrote.
University officials said Wells earned his bachelor’s degree in health science and physiology in May 2022.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
“We are keeping the Wells family, as well as Ty’s friends, teammates, colleagues and loved ones, in our thoughts as we remember this tremendous young man.”
Wells swam the breaststroke events from 2018-22 for Arizona. He finished in 10th in the Pac-12 Championships last season.
He had earned his bachelor’s degree in health and science and physiology in May 2022, the school said.