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Retired UNC professor dies after going missing in Hudson River marathon swim

A swimmer from North Carolina died after going missing Friday in the Hudson River during a marathon swim, the race organizers said.

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NC swimmer missing in Hudson River
NEW YORK — A swimmer from North Carolina died after going missing Friday in the Hudson River during a marathon swim, the race organizers said.

New York Open Water said Dr. Charles van der Horst, a retired University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill professor, died. He was participating in the 8 Bridges Hudson River Swim.

"The family of Charles Van Der Horst of Chapel Hill, NC is deeply saddened to confirm the loss of our beloved Charlie," New York Open Water posted on Facebook. "Charlie exemplified living life to its fullest. He put all of his passion and zest into everything he did, from his love of his family, friends and community, to his swimming to his work on social justice and in the medical field."

A safety spotter saw van der Horst, 67, submerge near the George Washington Bridge around 3 p.m. on Friday, police said.

Van der Horst was a retired professor of medicine and infectious diseases at the UNC-Chapel Hill who specialized in AIDS research. He took part on numerous protests at the North Carolina General Assembly over the years, calling on lawmakers to expand the state's Medicaid program.

"Dr. Charles van der Horst was a passionate and dedicated researcher, clinician and colleague during his many years at UNC," School of Medicine officials said in a statement Saturday. "He was an incredible force for good, and led by his example of dedication to science and service. Our UNC School of Medicine team is saddened by the news. Our thoughts are with his family."

The 120-mile 8 Bridges swim takes place in segments over the course of a week, according to New York Open Water’s website.

Friday’s leg was 15.7 miles, starting at the Tappan Zee Bridge and ending at the George Washington Bridge, according to the website.

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