ANDREW Simpson, the British sailor who won gold at the 2008 Olympics, has died after a training accident in San Francisco.

The 36-year-old, who claimed the Star title in Beijing alongside his close friend Iain Percy, was part of a 11-man crew aboard Artemis Racing’s AC72 catamaran which capsized in San Francisco Bay while training for the America’s Cup.

Simpson, known by many as Bart, was trapped underneath the boat reportedly for as long as 10 minutes and, despite attempts by doctors afloat and subsequently ashore, could not be revived.

Artemis chief executive officer Paul Cayard said: “We obviously had a tragic day today on the bay and our thoughts and prayers are with Bart Simpson’s - Andrew Simpson’s - family, his wife and kids, and also with the rest of the team-mates.”