Home > Fit City > Archives > 2011 > June > 24 > Entry
Triathlete dies in car accident
The Austin triathlon community lost one of its own Tuesday, when Ismael Quiroz Ortiz of Pflugerville died in a car accident.
Ismael trained with Y-Tri triathlon training group at the YMCA and swam with the Narwhals at the Northwest YMCA.
This morning, Evalyn Hodges, who used to coach with Y-Tri, sent me comments from athletes who knew Ortiz through those programs. Nearly everyone mentioned how Ortiz energized others to feel good about their training accomplishments. He was also famous for his brilliant smile.
“When Ismael smiled, you smiled,” said Y-Tri Coach Vicki Gottardi. “When he said, “You can do it!’ you really thought you could.”
Angela Stewart, another member of Y-Tri, remembers cycling down Parmer Lane with him right behind her. “He said, ‘I wanted to catch up with you, but I don’t want to pass you,’ and just stayed behind encouraging me. He was so supportive and motivating. And such a good swimmer! He will be missed.”
Triathlete Susan Hammond remembers the first time he biked with the group. “He rented a bike because the one he had bought was not ready yet. He could not stop grinning.”
Carolyn Castillo, coach of the Narwhals, said she talked often with him after swim practice. “The main thing about Ismael is that he would constantly blow my mind on how much faster he was getting. He said that his goal was to be in Brian’s lane. Brian swims 100 free in under a minute in practice. He always told me that he didn’t smoke, he didn’t drink, he just wanted to go fast.”
He had a sense of humor, too.
“Whenever I would ask him about his time in a race, he would always make up times to see what kind of reaction he would get out of me,” said swimmer Rob Kranz.
He had plans to race in several upcoming triathlons, and was considering training for an Ironman triathlon. He had participated in this year’s Cap2K open-water swim race.
He is survived by his father, Salomon Quiroz, and brothers Juan, Jaime, Francisco and David. He was a skilled craftsman and carpenter.
A funeral is set for Friday — 36 days from the date of his birth on June 24, 1975.
(The photo above shows Ismael Quiroz Ortiz with Narwhals swim coach Carolyn Castillo.)
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment Categories: Triathlon
Comments
When commenting, we ask that you keep things civil and abide by our Visitor Agreement. To report comment abuse, click here.
By m
June 24, 2011 6:42 PM | Link to this
Tragic loss not only for his family and friends, but also for the Austin triathlon community. Look like a great guy from the photo. My heart goes out to his dad and brothers…
By Timothy Johnson
June 26, 2011 6:26 AM | Link to this
We are neighbors on Sunflower and Firebush. We are so sorry for your loss, we are praying for the family of ismael
By Jerry Funderburgh
June 28, 2011 9:49 PM | Link to this
Ismael,was a friend that helped me to rememder what true frienship was suppose to be,he was always there for me.and will never be forgoten!save a spot on big beach in Gods kingdom,my friend much love always.Jerry
By Please BE KIND to Cyclists
June 29, 2011 3:15 PM | Link to this
My heart goes out to Ismael’s family and friends. The lost of a love one is never easy no matter how it happened, Ismael is a very special member our community, people that knew him will be always thinking about him.