****UPDATE: Race organizers issued a statement from the family of van der Horst:

“The family of Charles Van Der Horst of Chapel Hill, NC is deeply saddened to confirm the loss of our beloved Charlie. He was participating in several stages of the 8 Bridges Hudson River Swim when he went under at the finish of Stage 6. 

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. At this time we ask that you respect our wishes for privacy as we mourn this tragic loss.”

__________

Divers are searching for a Chapel Hill man who went missing during Friday’s leg of a week-long race in the Hudson River.

CBS News in New York is reporting that rescue crews were in the water around 3 p.m. Friday and were expected to continue the search on Saturday.

The missing man has been identified as 67-year-old Charles van der Horst, who retired from the UNC School of Medicine as an infectious disease specialist. He specialized in AIDS research.

van der Horst was reportedly participating in the 8 Bridges Hudson River Swim when he went missing.

UNC Health Care issued a statement via social media that said the School of Medicine “is shocked and saddened at the news that Dr. Charles van der Horst (retired from UNC) has been reported missing following a multi-day swimming race in New York’s Hudson River. Our thoughts are with Dr. van der Horst’s family at this time.”

Organizers called off Saturday’s final leg of the race.

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