"Olympic Swimmer and Coach Richard Thornton Dies at 65 on Santa Cruz Beach"

Richard Thornton, a renowned Bay Area swim coach and former U.S. Olympian, passed away at the age of 65 while preparing to surf at The Hook in Santa Cruz. His death was confirmed by his brother on Facebook, and while initial reports suggested he died while surfing, it was later clarified that he passed away upon entering the water. Thornton was a member of the boycotted 1980 U.S. Olympic team and had been coaching at San Ramon Valley Aquatics since 1984. He is remembered for his significant contributions to swimming and his impact on the lives of those he coached.