Legendary speedskater Shea
killed in accident

Legendary American Winter Olympian Jack Shea, a winner of two speedskating gold medals at the 1932 Winter Games in Lake Placid, died on Tuesday when his car was struck by a drunk driver.

A shaken Mitt Romney, president of the Salt Lake Organising Committee, said plans had been made to honour the 91-year-old Shea during opening ceremonies on February 8 but added sadly that now would not be possible.

Until Tuesday's tragedy, the Shea family had been one of the feel-good stories in the build-up to the 2002 Winter Games.

Shea had been part of the Olympic Torch Relay as it passed through his Lake Placid home carrying the flame into the oval where he won his gold medals.

He had planned to travel to Salt Lake City with son Jim Shea Sr., who competed in the Nordic combined at the 1964 Olympics, to watch grandson Jim Shea Jr. race in the skeleton competition.

"I spoke just a moment ago with the Attorney General (John Ashcroft) who is standing with me and he felt it was appropriate for us to take a moment to express our great sorrow at the loss of a wonderful Olympian," said Romney.

"Jack Shea, age 91, was killed yesterday in an automobile accident in Lake Placid, apparently the victim of a drunk driving accident.

"Someone had run into him who had been intoxicated or has been charged with that condition.

"Jack Shea has been an inspiration to us in Salt Lake City.

"Those of us who knew him, he has been a great friend.

"As you know his son was an Olympian and his grandson has qualified for the Olympic team here in Salt Lake City.

"We had anticipated honouring him in our opening ceremony and will be unable to do so obviously.

"We will miss him very, very much and have appreciated his leadership and his example for the Winter Olympic Games here in Salt Lake City."

STRUCK HEAD-ON

According to the New York State Police, Shea died when his car was struck head-on by a vehicle that was sliding out of control on the snow-covered road.

Shea was rushed to a hospital where he died early Tuesday morning.

The driver of the other car was arrested for driving while intoxicated and other charges.

"My grandfather used to dream about me competing in the Olympics," said Shea Jr., in a statement. "When I qualified for the Games, he could not have been more proud.

"It was one of our best moments, one that I will always remember. He knew better than most the importance of the Games.

"My grandfather always felt it was not who won the gold, it was truly about bringing the world together in a peaceful setting.

"I plan on dedicating this year's Games to my grandfather.

"I will carry his card in my helmet during competition. Regardless of the outcome, I know I will have succeeded simply by achieving my grandfather's dream of competing in the Olympics."

Tributes have poured in from across the United States, particularly from the tight-knit Olympic community.

"On behalf of the U.S. Olympic family, our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the Shea family during this difficult time," said U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Lloyd Wright.

"We have lost a true Olympic hero and inspirational human being.

"Jack Shea lived the Olympic ideal and passed along his knowledge to generations within the Shea family.

"We hope his legacy and inspiration will be a strength to his grandson Jim and his team mates as they prepare for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games."