Widow's tribute to Olympic champion sailor Andrew Simpson killed in training accident

 
Boat tragedy: Andrew Simpson with wife Leah
Josh Pettitt13 May 2013

The widow of Olympic gold-winning sailor Andrew Simpson who drowned last week in a boating accident has paid tribute to her “amazing” husband and father of her children.

Mr Simpson, 36, who won silver at the 2012 London games and gold in Beijing four years before, died after a catamaran he was sailing in training for the America’s Cup capsized in San Francisco Bay.

Wife Leah, who had been celebrating her 35th birthday the day of the accident, said: “I cannot explain in words how amazing Andy was as a father and a husband. We will miss him every moment of every day.”

Mrs Simpson added that she wanted their two sons to remember their father as the “wonderful family man” he was.

After the accident last Thursday divers found Mr Simpson under the platform of the 72ft AC72 vessel, which stretches between its twin hulls. Despite repeated attempts, he could not be revived.

The incident has raised questions over the safety of the £6.5million boats being used in this year’s America’s Cup. The vessels are among the fastest ever built and can reach speeds of 50mph.

Mr Simpson’s mother has questioned whether the design of the vessel could have contributed to her son’s death and his father has backed a full investigation.

The US Coastguard, San Francisco city authorities and America’s Cup officials have launched probes into the accident.

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