Hartwick College Swimmer Matthew Cole Dies in Motorcycle Accident
OTSEGO COUNTY, NY — Matthew Cole, 21, a Hartwick College swimmer, died in a motorcycle accident on State Route 8 on Tuesday morning.
According to New York State Police, Cole was riding his motorcycle around 7:45 a.m. when he crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a tractor-trailer. The impact caused him to veer off the road and strike a tree. Authorities said he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cole was preparing for his senior season with the Hartwick swimming and diving program, where he competed in freestyle, butterfly, and individual medley events. He recently achieved a 7th place finish in the men’s 1650 freestyle and an 8th place finish in the 200 butterfly at the Empire 8 Conference Championships in February.
His obituary notes that Cole started swimming competitively at age nine and graduated from North Rose-Wolcott High School in 2023. He was recognized as the Most Improved Swimmer on his college team last season.
In addition to his swimming career, Cole served as a lifeguard and director of the summer swim program at North Rose-Wolcott High School, where he enjoyed teaching younger children how to swim.
Calling hours for Cole will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday at the Nelson Funeral Home in Oswego, NY. Donations in his memory can be made to the Hartwick Swimming and Diving team through Talons Trust.