HONOLULU - "Peter" Frank Chi, a member of the University of Hawai'i men's swimming team, died October 6 from an apparent cardiac arrest. Chi, 19, was found unresponsive in his dorm room in the early morning hours and was admitted to Straub Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Chi had been earlier diagnosed and treated with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. This past spring, he was awarded the Inspiration Award at the annual 'Ahahui Koa 'Anuenue scholarship dinner for overcoming his illness and setting a positive example for others.
"Peter was an outstanding student athlete and even more importantly a great person," said Victor Wales, UH swimming head coach. "He was loved and respected by all his teammates and will forever have a place in our program."
"Peter was an inspirational young man and he meant a lot to his teammates," Marilyn Moniz-Kaho'ohanohano, UH Assistant Athletics Director said. "We were very fortunate to have him be a part of our swimming program. Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire 'ohana."
Chi, a one-time walk-on, swam in eight career events for UH, including Friday's season-opening home meet against BYU in which he finished fifth in the 100-yard breaststroke. He also competed in the freestyle, backstroke, and individual medley during his career.
Chi was a 2010 graduate of Waiakea High School in Hilo, Hawai'i, where he was a three-time team MVP and two-time team captain for swimming team. Chi is survived by his father, Robert, and older sister, Sharon. Services are pending.
SOURCE: Hawaii News Now