By Steven V. Selthoffer, Chief European Columnist
BUCHAREST, Romania, February 26. ROMANIAN high school swimmer Mihai Octavian Ciocan, 18, died late last night after a party with his friends, according to Objectiv Vocea Brailiei. The Farul Constana Swim Club member collapsed in front of his friends, and was pronounced dead on arrival at the local hospital.
Ciocan was a multiple national champion from Romania, and one of that country's top Olympic hopefuls for the 2016 Rio Games in the 200, 400 and 1500 freestyle events, as well as on both 400-meter relays. Ciocan was coached by Laura Sachelarie, the same coach who trained Diana Mocanu who won the 100 and 200 backstroke events at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Initial reports state that Ciocan had been drinking moderately at the part when he collapsed. The cause of death is believed to be a heart attack, with an official cause of death to be released after an autopsy is completed.
Concerns are growing regarding the exact cause of death, as the local media has provided very little coverage of the story, and no statements have been made at this time from the coach or the federation.
We will continue to follow this story as it develops.
For more information, please go to:
http://www.obiectivbr.ro/braila-campion-balcanic-la-inot-mort-la-o-petrecere-cu-prietenii_id77183
Romania Swimming
http://www.swimming.ro/?lang=en