Richard Thornton Died Of Drowning, Santa Cruz Coroner Confirms

SAN RAMON, CA — San Ramon Valley Aquatics Head Coach and former U.S. Olympic swimmer Richard Thornton died of seawater drowning earlier this month, a representative from the Santa Cruz County Coroner confirmed to Patch. While “seawater drowning” is listed on the death certificate, further investigation revealed that a medical event precipitated the drowning, the coroner’s office said.

Thornton, 65, died suddenly on Jan. 4 in Santa Cruz. His brother Marc shared the information in a brief statement on Facebook, writing: “Sorry for having to share this information, but Richard Thornton passed away surfing today at The Hook in Santa Cruz. Doing what he loved. More to follow, but wanted to let everyone know. Thanks, Marc Thornton." Kirra Thornton posted later that day clarified that he was in fact preparing to surf.

Thornton was head coach of San Ramon Valley Aquatics since 1984, where he coached many future Olympians. He was a two-time All American and national champion swimmer at UC Berkeley. In 1980, he was a member of U.S. Olympic Team that boycotted the summer games in Moscow. He also coached Olympic finalists, World Championship finalists, European Championship finalists and NCAA All-Americans, including the 1995 U.S. World Championship.

A funeral is scheduled for Feb. 8 at 11 a.m, followed by a reception at St. Joan of Arc Church.

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