The Hartwick College swimming and diving program in New York is mourning the loss of one of its own.
Matthew Cole, 21, who was about to enter his senior season with the program, died in a motorcycle accident on Tuesday morning.
New York State Police said Cole was riding a motorcycle on Tuesday morning on State Route 8 when he veered into the other lane and hit a tractor-trailer, which caused him to leave the road and hit a tree.
State police said Cole was pronounced dead at the scene.
At Hartwick College, Cole competed in freestyle, butterfly and IM events.
His last competition came at the Empire 8 Conference Championships in February, where he placed 7th in the men’s 1650 free (17:13.26) and 8th in the 200 fly (2:03.31).
According to his obituary, Cole was given an award for Most Improved Swimmer on the team at the end of last season.
The obituary said Cole started swimming competitively for the Greenfins Swim Club in Wolcott, New York at age nine, and graduated from North Rose-Wolcott High School in 2023.
Cole also served time as a lifeguard and director of the summer swim program at North Rose-Wolcott High School, where he “loved teaching younger kids how to swim.
Cole also spent time as a lifeguard at Fair Haven Beach State Park.
Calling hours for Cole will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday at the Nelson Funeral Home in Oswego, New York. Donations can be made in Matthew’s memory to the Hartwick Swimming and Diving team through Talons Trust.
