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Alexander Dale Oen
Alexander Dale Oen
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Alexander Dale Oen Obituary
The president of the Norwegian swimming federation, Per Rune Eknes, told The Associated Press in a phone interview that Dale Oen died after suffering a cardiac arrest.
In a statement, the federation said the 100-meter breaststroke world champion was found collapsed on the floor of his bathroom late Monday. He was taken to the Flagstaff Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
"We're all in shock," Norway Coach Petter Loevberg said. "This is an out-of-the-body experience for the whole team over here. Our thoughts primarily go to his family who have lost Alexander way too early."
Hospital spokeswoman Starla Collins confirmed the death, but did not provide further details.
Dale Oen earned his biggest triumph in the pool at last year's worlds in Shanghai when he won the 100 breaststroke, a victory that provided some much-needed joy back in Norway just three days after the massacre by right-wing extremist Anders Breivik that killed 77 people - including children at a summer camp.
Dale Oen dedicated the win to the victims of that massacre, pointing to the Norwegian flag on his cap after the finish to send a message back home.
"We need to stay united," he said after the race. "Everyone back home now is of course paralyzed with what happened but it was important for me to symbolize that even though I'm here in China, I'm able to feel the same emotions."
His death dominated the news in Norway on Monday, and Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said on Twitter that "Alexander Dale Oen was a great sportsman for a small country. My thoughts go to his family and friends."
The Norwegian team is holding a camp in Flagstaff ahead of the Olympics. The federation said Dale Oen had only underwent a light train ing session on Monday and played golf that day. But teammates became worried when the swimmer spent an unusually long time in the shower and entered his bathroom when he failed to respond to their knocks on the door.
The federation said "they found Dale Oen laying partly on the floor, partly on the edge of his bathtub."
Team doctor Ola Roensen said he immediately began performing CPR until an ambulance arrived.
"Everything was done according to procedure, and we tried everything, so it is immensely sad that we were not able to resuscitate him," Roensen said. "It is hard to accept."
In his last tweet on Monday, Dale Oen said he was looking forward to going back home: "2 days left of our camp up here in Flagstaff, then it's back to the most beautiful city in Norway... (hashtag)Bergen."
Dale Oen was born in Bergen, Norway's second largest city, on May 21, 1985. He was the second son of Mona Lillian Dale and Ingolf Oen.
He started swimming at 4 , and said on his website that the sport "came very easy and natural for me."
He is the second high-profile athlete to die from cardiac arrest recently, after Italian soccer player Piermario Morosini collapsed on the field during a Serie B game for Livorno last month. That death came just a month after Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba also collapsed during a game, but survived.
"It feels unreal that Alexander Dale Oen is no longer with us," Norwegian skiing champion Aksel Lund Svindal, the two-time overall world Cup champion, said on Twitter. "My thoughts go out to his family, friends and his whole team in Flagstaff."
Keri-Anne Payne, the 10-kilometer open water world champion from Britain, said: "Such sad news for swimming."
LOUISE NORDSTROM, Associated Press
AP Sports Writers Andrew Dampf in Rome and Pat Horne in New York contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
81 Entries
April 28, 2014
Dear Husband,
You changed my life in no imaginable way.
It was you and me.
I had feet on the ground as I knew I lived by you.
When you left me, I lost ground for a little while.
Thank you for coming to me.
In my world, you are always with me.
Can you hear the sound of our children?
May 23, 2012
To the OEN family sorry for your loss may GOD give you his love, peace, and strength in this time of sorrow. Such a young age and a goal to complete. I am sure he is missed by his fellow swim team. May he R.I.P -|-
Antoinette
May 15, 2012
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. May your memories and love of family, friends and neighbors bring you comfort. God will one day swallow up death and wipe the tears from all faces. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
How you can show support
Marchie Hufnell -Norman
May 9, 2012
Any life lost is a saddened time, and since I used to swim year round, and I don't have to know AD Oen personally but in the world of swimming it's a close knit family no matter throughout the world where swimmers all live. My heartfelt condolences are sent out to his family, as well as his swimming family. If he had any pets, to them too for they miss their best friend.
I'm in the US, but I hope the Norwegian Olympic Team thinks up an idea in honor of their team mate with something to wear maybe on their Olympic attire entering the stadium. Just a thought.
Good luck in London to all Worldwide Competitors for I'm excited for each and every one of you who make it.
Larry & Judy Facteau
May 8, 2012
Our thoughts will always be with Alex's followers, you will always be a gem of the world in our book you have won gold. As a parent Mom & Dad things will get better. God Bless!
L&J. NY
Bonnie Lucy
May 8, 2012
Dale Oen was my favorite Norwegian swimmer. My family's roots are in Norway so he represented my Mother land. I was looking forward to watching him again in London, but it was not to be. My heart broke when I read the news. May God hold all of Aleander Dale Oen's family and friends in the palm of his hand. Gone too soon.
M White
May 7, 2012
Although I do not personally know Alexander, condolences to the Oen family and friends. A prayer goes out for all of you at this time. May God comfort you as you grieve.
Ashley Lim
May 7, 2012
Norway's tears are my tears.
Ashley Lim
May 7, 2012
Norway's tears are also my tears.
Maika Lotivo
May 7, 2012
My deepest condolences to Alex's family and friends. We will always remember you as the great man you were and your sweet smile. You will be greatly missed and loved by the whole world
Carlotta Hamilton
May 6, 2012
I watched him on tv win the 100 meter breaststroke race and will forever remember him pointing to his country's flag on his swim cap. In addition to his family and his beloved Norway, swimming and the Olympics have lost a fine man.
May 6, 2012
My heart goes out to "The Oen Family" and "Alexander's", "Great Country of Norway."
Our Prayers are with you.
D. Bird
USA
RIP Alexander. No one can change a person, but a person can be the reason someone changes! You made a differense <3
A H
May 5, 2012
Darcie
May 5, 2012
Prayers sent to his family and friends.
May 4, 2012
I'm so very sorry for your loss and that of Norway. May you find solace in wonderful memories of Alexander.
D. Dameron
May 4, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Family and friends of Alexander dale Oen ” May there be undeserved kindness, mercy, peace from God [the] Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Timothy 1:2)
Heidi Anderl-Wiggins
May 4, 2012
"I wish to express my respect and condolences for the loss of such a great guy. Im's so proud to say I'm from the same beautiful city, Bergen Norway. What a tragic loss this is. I'm still in shock. My heart goes out to his family in Oygarden. R.I.P Alexander Oen you were a great Ambassador for Norway. We are so proud of you.
Anderl-Wiggins Sacramento, CA/Bergen, Norway
T. M.
May 3, 2012
TO THE OEN FAMILY, THERE ARE TIMES WHEN UNFORESEEN OCCURRENCE HAPPEN TO US. pLEASE EXCEPT MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES FOR YOUR LOSS, PLEASE ALLOW the TRUE GOD TO COMFORT YOU IN YOUR SORROW AND PAIN BECAUSE HE DOES NOT DESIRE ANYONE TO SUFFER.
Sarah
May 3, 2012
May God look after you and be with your family during this trying times.
lori kaloger
May 3, 2012
So sad.
T B
May 3, 2012
I wish to express my respect and condolences for the loss of such a wonderful boy. May God give your comfort and understanding at this terrible time. We cannot know His reasoning. It breaks my heart when such young and vital people go too early.
However, he did more with his short time here than most.
May 3, 2012
Please accept my deepest condolences.May the GOD of. all comfort, comfort the family of Mr Oen in this time of grief and such tragic loss. May Gods word give your family the needed strength to endure the days to come. Atlanta, GA.
Welcome Home
May 2, 2012
Karen Davis
May 2, 2012
May his soul rest in peace.
Rebekah Glonek
May 2, 2012
prayers are going up in Alexander's name and prayers to everyone in his family as they are going through this tough time. I bet Alexander is looking down with god watching over this hard time his poor family is going through!!! Praying for you guys!!!
love The Glonek Family
May 2, 2012
My sincere condolences to the family. May the God of Comfort help you through this difficult time.
Barbara
June Kinzie
May 2, 2012
Prayers going up in Alexander's name and prayers for all of his family as they go through this very sad time. It is very hard to understand why someone is taken in the prime of thier life. Must be because they were just so extra special. God bless from part of Alexanders's swimming family, the Kinzie family, Carolina Aquatics, Columbia, SC
May 2, 2012
I am so sorry for your lost. May you and your family rely on God in this time if grief.
May 2, 2012
I send my deepest condolences to the Oen family. Losing such a young relative is extremely painful, but know that you are in the prayers of so many people.
Sabrina Bundy
May 2, 2012
r.i.p. sorry for ur lost. he is gone too soon. memories we have when we loose our loveones & one day we will meet them in heaven. God bless you all during this time of your sorrow.
Andy
May 2, 2012
Dear Oen Family: May your brother/son's blessed memory be a constant source of comfort to you for all time.
B'shalom.
anita c
May 2, 2012
God Bless all athletes.
Tanisha
May 2, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Alexander Oen because he was truly a talented individual, and he had so much potential to do even greater things in his life. My prayers are with his family during this time of bereavement.
God bless, and my deepest sympathies,
Tanisha
C. Wilson
May 2, 2012
"I want the Oen Family to know, they have my deepest sympathy. At times like these, God can give us "power beyond what is normal," so we can keep going from one day to the next."
(2 Cor. 4: 7)
Romie Bostick
May 2, 2012
My deepest sympathy and prayers for his family and friends. May the loving memories he leaves behind be of comfort to his family and friends during this most difficult time.
May 2, 2012
My deepest condolences to the family and his second family his team mates. I pray that you all get through the grief. Losing someone that young and so strong can be very hard but know this God is there for anyone. May you all please find Psalms 55:22 comforting.
Derek Jeter
May 2, 2012
A sad day in sports.
May 2, 2012
To the family;
My sincere condolence on the loss of your loved one. May the support of family and freinds give you strength to cope during this most difficult time.
leslie rutecki
May 2, 2012
Thoughts and Prayers to the family...May GOD help you during this difficult time Ed ,Leslie ,Albert, Dominika
Michele
May 2, 2012
I am very sorry for his loss. I believe that all athletes should have a test called a TEE or an ultrasound of their heart to rule out any problems like subaortic stenosis. May he RIP.
Puckett
May 2, 2012
Our Heavenly Father needed you and you answered his call. A place where you are adorned with many gold medals and ribbons while swimming amongst many other prized winning swimming stars that were waiting to greet you.Thank you for setting the example for so many what a true athlete is ,your kindness,your smile,your stellar example of a competor. Your unwavering hard work and determination was noticed by many and will continue by the footprints you left to follow. God Bless you always and to your family I offer my heartfelt sympathies and love. I thank them for sharing him with us.
May 1, 2012
My heartfelt sympathy to this awesome athletes' beloved family...so sad & so
very sorry. May God
comfort you & hold
you ever so close in
HIS loving arms. In christian love & prayers to Alexanders loved ones!
Ivy
May 1, 2012
God Bless You,Your Family, and Friends !
Ruth Cohen
May 1, 2012
deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers go out to this young man's family, friends, teammates, countrymen. Such a sad loss of not only a great athlete but first & foremost a great young man. We will be thinking of you during Olympics in London. Norweigan athletes are always a class act, our hearts will be with you during the games.
Bill Duckworth
May 1, 2012
Prayers to all the family & friends of this man.
Cheryl Bean
May 1, 2012
Very sad. Prayers for his friends, family and his entire country. I will be rooting for the Norweigan team at the Olympics!
May 1, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Oen family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
Cheryl Tiefert
May 1, 2012
so sad and so early for such a great young athelet, you will be missed.
May 1, 2012
R.I.P.
ALAN SANTOS
May 1, 2012
rip vai com DEUS GRANDE ATLETA EU TORCIA MUITO POR VOCE
Sebastian Husby
May 1, 2012
R.I.P
Sebastian Husby
May 1, 2012
R.I.P
michelle plakas-kaiser
May 1, 2012
rip
Leila Smith
May 1, 2012
I'm so sorry for the Oen family and all of Alexander's friends, may they have peace and comfort during this devastating time.
Stewart Halverson
May 1, 2012
As a swimmer and Norwegian (by way of Minnesota) I wish to express my deepest sympathies to the Family of Alexander, his many friends, swimming team mates, competitors and Norway. Rest in peace young man.
Leiv HOV
May 1, 2012
My prayers with the family and kin, and I extend my condolences at the sudden and unexpected passing of Alexander Dale Oen - a fine man and a terrible loss to us all -
Ann Chataham
May 1, 2012
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Erin MacMillan
May 1, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the family and friends of Alexander. I watched you in the 2008 Olympics and was looking forward to seeing you in the 2012 Olympics. You will be deeply missed and loved. You will NEVER be FORGOTTEN. Rest in Peace Alexander. I will miss you.
Linda Collins
May 1, 2012
My sincere condolences goes out to this outstanding athelete's family and friends. Not only does your country mourns Alexander's loss, but the world does as well. May God bless you during this very sad and difficult time.
jasmine howard
May 1, 2012
I am sorry for your loss and my sincere condolences to the family and friends
Nancy A
May 1, 2012
May God bless your soul, your family, and your friends.
C.
May 1, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the family and friends of Alexander.
José
May 1, 2012
From Brazil,our condolences. We're sad with you !
Maryellen
May 1, 2012
My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Alexander Dale Oen. He is gone too soon. May Alexander R.I.P.
Henryk Zaleski
May 1, 2012
Rest in peace Alexander and we are grateful for your gift to Norway and the sport.
May 1, 2012
"To the family" country of Norway, my prayers are with you all.
May 1, 2012
Way too young to be taken from the earth. My condolences to his family.
May 1, 2012
You have won the best gold medal ever. A spot in heaven. My your family be at peace. RIP dear sweet one
May 1, 2012
This is very sad..I noticed his smile,,thats how I remembered who he was..his smile.
May 1, 2012
Oen Family,
As a swimmer myself, I know the trials and tribualtions we face. You were blessed with an amazingly talented son who beleived in himself enough to go after his dreams. Pride swells within me at the thought of a young person achieving such things. You are in millions of peoples thoughts and prayers, today, tomorrow, and the thousands of tomorrows to come. Keep God in your heart and know that Oen is in a better place.
Libby Larkin Booker
May 1, 2012
My prayers are with you all, Family, Friends, Country of Norway.
Evelyn Hall
May 1, 2012
To the OEN Family:
I am deeply sorry for the lose of your dear son. It is so tragic to lose someone we love, yet we know that even during this devastating time, our heavenly Father 'will sustain you.' (Psalms 55:22)
ann hedges
May 1, 2012
am sorry for his family, Norway, and friends from all nations.
May 1, 2012
You will forever be in our hearts
Anonymous
Lori Gatley
May 1, 2012
My deepest condolences to this young man's family and friends. So sad to lose one so young!
May 1, 2012
So sad to hear this. Sorry for his family.
Ms. Ford
May 1, 2012
To Alexander's Family ~ My heart aches for you. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Such a talented young man. I know you will remember him always in your minds and hearts. May the God of comfort help you during this very difficult time.
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