[Illusion]

YPSILANTI, Mich. -- Eric Namesnik, who won silver medals in swimming at the 1992 and '96 Olympics, died Wednesday following a car accident last week. He was 35.


Namesnik was critically injured in the Jan. 7 accident, which was caused by icy conditions in Pittsfield Township, according to USA Swimming. He had been in a medically induced coma to reduce swelling around his brain before he died at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.

Namesnik won silver medals in the 400-meter individual medley at the '92 Barcelona Games and four years later in Atlanta. He became the first American to swim under 4 minutes, 15 seconds in the four-stroke IM event and lowered the American record four times. He was ranked No. 1 in the world in 1991 and '93.

He also won a bronze medal in the 400 IM at the 1994 world championships, and two silvers at the 1991 world meet.

"We are overwhelmed by the news of Eric's death," said Ron Van Pool, USA Swimming president. "He'll always be remembered for his resilience, especially during these past few days when he fought with everything he could."

Namesnik, who answered to his nickname "Snik," was in his second season as a volunteer assistant coach at Eastern Michigan and was coaching with the Wolverine Aquatics Club.

He swam for the University of Michigan from 1989-93, then spent seven years as an assistant with the men's team, coaching 11 Olympians and helping the Wolverines win three Big Ten championships.

"He was the son I never had," retired Michigan coach Jon Urbanchek said. "What he did for Michigan is unmeasurable. It's not just how fast he swam, but the good person he was, the character."

A native of Butler, Pa., Namesnik is survived by his wife, Kirsten, and two children, Austin and Madison.

Funeral arrangements were pending.

[Illusion]

Very sad news.

[bigboydan]

R.i.p.