In a week that began as a joyous one for the Team Foxjet Swim Club in Eden Prarie, Minnesota turned tragic on the 4th of July, when coach Brenda Larson died in a boating incident, according to local news.
Larson and two others (Matthew Kinghorn, the driver, and a 4-year-old) were thrown from a boat on Cass Lake on Saturday around 4:15. Kinghorn and the child were rescued by passing fisherman, but Larson was recovered unresponsive and not breathing. She was later pronounced dead at Cass Lake Hospital, according to police.
Kinghorn was arrested on suspicion of boating while intoxicated.
Larson, who was 50 years old, spent 6 years as a coach with Team Foxjet, where she worked with the ISM groups and the age group bronze groups. Specifically, she worked with swimmers who were new to the competitive level, according to her official biography on the team’s website.
Earlier in the week, on July 1st, Team Foxjet announced the official plan to open the new Eden Prarie Aquatic Center, where they’re expected to begin practices on July 13th. The ceremonial Grand opening is scheduled for July 21st.
The new facility includes two 8-lane pools, expanded spectator seating, and new locker rooms, among other upgrades to the existing natatorium.
Brenda was my coach when I was 7 and 8 years old. She was the one who helped my overcome my fear of deep water. She taught me the idea of putting goggles on before your swim cap so they wouldn’t fall off. She could make awesome balloon animals. She was an amazing coach and I will always miss her. The team will always miss her. We had part of our banquet slideshow dedicated to her this year. The rock wall at the EPCC pool is dedicated to her. She was the best coach ever! We wrote Swim For Brenda on our backs at te Cedar Falls meet last summer. We even made temporary tattoos! Coach Brenda will remain in… Read more »
Brenda was great! She was one of the best coaches I ever had. I’m really sad about what has happened. She was the one who taught me how to swim and made it my passion.
Brenda,
We miss you and love you so much!!!!!!!
I had Brenda as a coach, friend, and neighbor. I have never met anyone more upbeat and hilarious. She was always asking me about my life and never stopped being goofy. I miss and love her so very much.
Thoughts and prayers to the entire Foxjet team especially Coach Brenda’s Family.
How heartbreaking! Boating on the lakes is one of Minnesota’s great pastimes. This is very sad. From a friend at Aquajets, thoughts and prayers to the Foxjet community and her friends and family.
This is beyond devastating for our team. Most kids on the team starting out their swimming career with Brenda. Her love and enthusiasm for the 8 and unders was beyond compare, and she made sure she followed all of the kids through their careers. My kids are devastated. She just baked cookies for the entire team a few days ago. I have no idea how she can possible be replaced. Her absence at our big team travel meet this upcoming weekend is almost impossible to imagine. Keep our team in your thoughts.
Brenda coached almost every child on our team when they were trying the sport of swimming for the first time. My kids are devastated. The whole team will be devastated. I have no idea how she can be replaced. She baked cookies for the entire team just a few days ago. She loved coaching, she loved the kids, she gave her all to our team. She will be missed so much.