US Medalist Found Dead in Her Island Home

(NewsReady.com) – Police in the US Virgin Islands (USVI) have opened an investigation into gold medalist swimmer Jamie Cail’s unexplained death. Cail’s boyfriend came home to check on her just after midnight on February 21 after visiting bars and found her unresponsive on the floor. Authorities say with the help of a friend, he moved her to a car and transported her to Myrah Keating-Smith Community Health Center, where healthcare professionals unsuccessfully attempted resuscitation. The hospital officially recorded her death around 2:40 a.m.

Cail, 42, grew up in New Hampshire. She left her mark in competitive swimming, winning a gold medal in the 1997 Pan Pacific Championships and a silver medal in the 1998-1999 FINA Swimming World Cup held in Brazil. The swimmer still holds records for the 15 to 16-year-old age group at the Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida, where she attended high school.

Former U.S. swimming star Jamie Cail died suddenly at 42 years old in the Virgin Islands last week … and now, authorities say they've launched an investigation into the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death. https://t.co/ynSVtO6T24

— TMZ (@TMZ) February 27, 2023

More recently, Cail lived with her boyfriend in a loft in Cruz Bay, St. John, and worked in a local coffee shop. Friends say locals from around the island knew and loved her. One friend told WMUR, “She had a huge heart,” and described her as popular and well-loved for her generosity and kindness.

Family members and longtime friends reacted to the announcement of Cail’s death on social media. One friend from high school recalled her determination and “grit” to become the best possible swimmer. A friend from St. John started a Facebook memorial post to help people cope with the terrible news. Cail’s cousin, Jessica DeVries, relayed how shocked her parents were by her loss.

A makeshift memorial sprang up at the entrance to the coffee shop and bookstore where Cail worked. Customers and co-workers shared some of their stories on the memorial Facebook post.

The USVI police issued a statement regarding the case, indicating they’re conducting an ongoing investigation. They haven’t released a cause of death. The agency is asking anyone with information to contact detectives by calling (340) 693-8880, extension 5207, or (340) 774-2211, extension 5572.