Matthew Rein, a member of the Albright College swim team, died tragically in a house fire, according to school officials.
The Associated Press expanded on the report, that the 19-year old Rein passed away when a fire started in the basement around 5 A.M. The fire was contained to the basement, and mostly caused smoke damage, but Rein and one other victim were found by fire officials on the first floor. Rein was the only reported fatality, though two other residents were injured. There were six students in total in the house, including four who escaped by jumping from a second-floor porch.
Local fire officials have stated that they believe the fire was an “accident.”
As a freshman, Rein, from South River, New Jersey, was a member of the Albright College School Record setting 800 free relay, and also moved into the program’s all-time top 10 in the 500 and 1000 yard freestyle events.
SwimSwam’s thoughts go out to Rein’s family, friends, and Albright College swimming at this difficult time.
The Newton family (King’s College swim family) has the Rein family in our thoughts and prayers.
So very sad. Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends.
Tragic. Way too young. Thoughts and prayers to his family.