The swimming community mourns the loss of Jeffrey Wortman. During the 2003 Great Hudson River Swim, Jeffrey suffered a massive heartache. Although Jeffrey received immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at St. Vincent Hospital. He was 58 years old.

Jeffrey was a very good man and a friend to all of us in the swimming community. Jeffrey was a committed volunteer at events sponsored by NYC2012, and at swim races sponsored by the NYC Swim. If you participated in an open water swim race over the past few years, you probably encountered Jeffrey. He was the selfless volunteer writing your number on your arm, handing out food and/or transporting your bag from start to finish. He was always courteous, and quietly enjoyed helping swimmers make the most of their experience.

When not volunteering, Jeffrey was in the water. Jeffrey was a member of Chelsea Piers masters’ swim team. Jeffrey assisted his Chelsea Piers team to win the Commissioner's Trophy. Jeffrey personally qualified for USMS Nationals in the 100 and 200 yard breaststroke. He participated regularly in the Manhattan Island Foundation open water swim races.

The family has requested that donations in Jeffrey's name be made to either the John C. Glover Swimming Fund at Dartmouth College or the American Heart Association. If you have some nice stories or recollections of Jeffrey, please pass them along to to Jeffrey’s brother, Stephen Wortman, at swortman@brooklynfriends.org. Jeffrey’s family and close friends would truly enjoy hearing your remembrance.