Home-town funeral for UK sailor Simpson on May 31

LONDON (AFP) –

British sailor Andrew Simpson won a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games. The funeral of the former Olympic sailing champion will take place in his home town of Sherborne, southwest England on May 31, according to the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).

The funeral of former Olympic sailing champion Andrew Simpson will take place in his home town of Sherborne, southwest England on May 31, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) announced on Wednesday.

The 36-year-old, who won gold for Great Britain at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, died in San Francisco on May 9 after becoming trapped under his catamaran in a training accident ahead of the America’s Cup.

“Andrew James ‘Bart’ Simpson MBE tragically passed away, aged 36, on May 9, 2013 in San Francisco,” the RYA said in a statement.

“He was a devoted husband, adored daddy, son, brother and friend to so many whose lives he touched.

“The service will be held at Sherborne Abbey, Dorset, on Friday May 31 at 1pm (1200GMT), followed by a celebration of Andrew’s life at Sherborne Castle.”