Spencer Korwin Dead at 38: Former Team USA Triathlete Drowns During Family Vacation Swim
Former Team USA triathlete Spencer Korwin has died at age 38 after drowning during a morning swim while on a family vacation on Shelter Island, New York.
Korwin was staying with his wife and two young daughters at The Pridwin Hotel when he went swimming near the hotel dock on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
What happened to Spencer Korwin?
Korwin went into the water shortly before 8 a.m. for a morning swim, according to reports cited by local authorities.
When he did not return, his wife alerted hotel staff, who contacted emergency services.
An extensive search operation was launched in the waters around the hotel and the Crescent Beach-North Channel area. Shelter Island emergency crews, marine units, air units and other agencies took part in the search.
After several hours, divers found Korwin’s body underwater near the dock from which he had entered the water. His body was recovered at around 3 p.m.
Police believe the drowning was accidental
Shelter Island Police said Korwin’s drowning is believed to have been accidental. However, the investigation remains ongoing, and the official cause and manner of death are expected from the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office.
There has been no public indication that another person was involved.
Weather conditions also did not appear to be unusually dangerous that morning.
John Kirincic, a master mariner with the Southold Town Police Department’s Marine One, told the Shelter Island Reporter that there was no fog or other unusual weather.
Authorities and local residents nevertheless noted that the surrounding waters can present risks because of tides, currents and boat traffic.
Spencer Korwin was on vacation with his family
Korwin was visiting Shelter Island with his family when the tragedy occurred.
He was married and had two young daughters, Sadie, 4, and Colette, 1.
A GoFundMe set up for his family described Korwin as a beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend.
His death has prompted local discussion about water safety in the Shelter Island area, particularly because visitors may be unfamiliar with the local currents and waterways.
Who was Spencer Korwin?
Korwin was a former Team USA triathlete and later worked in the health and wellness industry.
He graduated from Syracuse University in 2010 and represented the United States at the 2012 triathlon World Championship in Auckland, New Zealand.
He was also a Gatorade-sponsored athlete for several years.
Beyond competitive triathlon, Korwin built a career around fitness and wellness. He founded Korwin Health & Wellness in 2021, a company focused on personalized fitness and holistic health plans.
He also operated a children’s outdoor summer camp in Southampton.
Funeral arrangements
A funeral service for Korwin is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 6, at Temple Israel in Manhattan. He is expected to be buried at Beth Moses Jewish Cemetery in West Babylon.
What is confirmed about Spencer Korwin’s death?
- Name: Spencer Korwin
- Age: 38
- Location: Shelter Island, New York
- Date of drowning: Sept. 2, 2026
- Circumstances: Went swimming during a family vacation and did not return
- Body found: Around 3 p.m. by divers near The Pridwin Hotel dock
- Manner of death: Police believe the drowning was accidental
- Official cause: Pending medical examiner determination
- Survivors: Wife and two young daughters
Spencer Korwin’s death has left his family and community mourning a former elite triathlete whose athletic career later developed into a career in fitness and wellness. The circumstances surrounding his drowning remain under investigation.
