Norwegian swimmer dies in Arizona

Flagstaff, AZ – Norwegian Olympic swimmer Alexander Dale Oen died Monday. He was 26 years old.

The Norwegian team was holding a training camp in Arizona prior to this summer's Olympics in London.

According to a statement from the Norwegian Olympic Committee, teammates were concerned when Dale Oen spent a long time in the shower. They checked on him and saw Dale Oen lying partially on the edge of the tub and on the floor.

The team's doctor tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate him, and further efforts were made by medical personnel on the way to a hospital, where he was declared dead.

"We are all in shock," said Norwegian Olympic swim coach Petter Lovberg in the committee's statement. "This is an out-of-body experience for the whole team over here. Our thoughts now go primarily to families who have lost Alexander too early. Words can not describe the grief they and we know now. For us here in Flagstaff, it is important now that we stand together and take care of swimmers and each other. It is an unreal situation for everyone, and we have some tough days ahead."

Dale Oen won a silver medal in the 100-meter breaststroke at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and won gold in the distance at last year's World Championships in Shanghai.