University of Arizona student-athlete Ty Wells unexpectedly passed away on Friday, Jan. 27 at 23 years old.
The fifth-year senior from Manteca, California spent four full seasons (2018-2022) with the men’s swimming & diving program and excelled throughout his collegiate career.
Arizona Athletics released a statement regarding the recent and tragic death.
“On behalf of the entire University of Arizona community, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Wells family along with Ty’s friends, teammates, classmates and colleagues,” Vice President and Director of Athletics Dave Heeke said.
Wells graduated from Arizona and earned his bachelor’s degree in health sciences & physiology in May of 2022. With a desire to help others, his future goals included a career in physical therapy or sports medicine.
During his senior year, Wells was named a 2021-2022 CSCAA Scholar All-American. He also accomplished three personal records at the 2022 Pac-12 Championship and performed the fastest time of his team swimming the 50-yard breast. Throughout his four years spent as a Wildcat, Wells qualified for NCAA B cut during each one.
As a part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, he also stood as a representative for his teammates.
“Ty was a tremendous young man who proudly represented the University of Arizona in the pool, classroom and community. He was a light that shined bright in the lives of everyone he came across, and we will keep him and his loved ones in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time,” Heeke said.
Just last June, Wells competed at the USA Olympic Team Trials in Omaha, Nebraska for the 2022 Tokyo Games. Most recently, he competed in the 100 and 200 meter breaststroke at the Toyota US Open Championships from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Wells will be remembered for both his team contributions and academic pursuits performed during his time with Arizona. A GoFundMe has been organized on behalf of the Wells Family.
Mental health resources available:
If you have been impacted by this situation and are seeking help, you can contact UA Campus Health by calling (520) 621-9202 or find out how to set up an appointment on their website.
Additionally, UA Counseling & Psychological Services has a variety of different resources intended to help students, including a “Mental Health & Wellness Tools” webpage. You can find this and more at the website or contact CAPS directly through its 24/7 number (520) 621-3334.
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