The passing of Ty Wells, a former student-athlete and member of the Arizona Athletics community, has left a deep hole in the University of Arizona community.
From 2018 to 2022, Ty was a standout diver and swimmer, proudly representing Arizona. He graduated in May 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in medical sciences and psychology. Tragically, on January 27th, 2023, he passed away.
Who was Ty Wells?
Ty Wells, a former student-athlete at the University of Arizona, excelled both in and out of the water. In May 2022, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences and Physiology after four years of being a part of the Arizona Swimming and Diving program.
Ty was a skilled swimmer who often achieved NCAA B cut times during his time as a Wildcat. He ended his career at the Pac-12 Men’s Championships in 2021–2022, setting three personal best records.
In his final year, Ty Wells was recognized as a CSCAA Scholar All-American for his academic achievements, serving as a testament to his leadership within his class and his success in both athletics and academics. He also represented his peers on the Student-Athlete Advisory Board.
Ty’s passion for assisting others led him to pursue a career in either physiotherapy or exercise science. The Institution of Arizona and Arizona Sports extend their condolences on the loss of this exceptional individual.
Ty Wells, who hails from Ripon, California, was recognized as a 2021-2022 CSCAA Scholar All-American. In the previous season, Wells achieved a 12th-place finish in the 100 breaststroke event at the Pac-12 Championship.
Although he only participated in Arizona’s intrasquad meet during the fall semester, he recently competed in the 2022 US Open Championships, placing 50th in both the 100 breast and 200 breast events.
In 2018, while attending Ripon High School as a senior, he earned a spot in the California High School State Championship meet and placed 13th in the 100-yard breaststroke.
Ty Wells Death
Ty Wells passed away on January 27, 2023, at the age of 23. The campus community extended its heartfelt sympathies to Ty’s loved ones, acquaintances, peers, pupils, and associates.
Ty was a shining light who made a lasting impact on all those he crossed paths with. The Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office announced on Feb. 3, 2023, determining that Wells died of
“natural causes secondary to a disseminated streptococcal bacterial infection following a protracted upper respiratory tract infection” after postmortem examination.
Arizona Vice President and Director of Athletics Dave Heeke issued a statement on behalf of the university.
“On behalf of the entire University of Arizona community, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Wells family along with Ty’s friends, teammates, classmates and colleagues.”
The statement continued,
“Ty was a tremendous young man who proudly represented the University of Arizona in the pool, classroom and community. He was a light that shined bright in the lives of everyone he came across, and we will keep him and his loved ones in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”
