How did Jamie Cail die? US swimming star's cause of death revealed after months-long probe into 42-year-old's cardiac arrest
James Olson
Updated on March 27, 2026
ST JOHN, US VIRGIN ISLAND: Swimming champ Jamie Cail, 42, who died in the US Virgin Islands back in February, reportedly lost her life after a fentanyl overdose.
She had been found unconscious by her boyfriend and initial reports had claimed she had suffered from a cardiac arrest.
The accidental fentanyl poisoning, as reported by the Daily Mail, was revealed by the coroner, who said that the 42-year-old lost her life due to “fentanyl intoxication with the aspiration of gastric content.”
How did Jamie Cail get access to fentanyl?
It has not been confirmed yet how Cail got access to fentanyl that resulted in her death earlier this year or if cops are working to find the source.
As per reports, Cail’s boyfriend, Kamal Thomas, discovered her unconscious at his house on February 21 before taking her to the hospital, where CPR was performed on her.
At the time, medical experts said that the member of the US team at 1997 Pan Pacific Championships member “was in cardiac arrest”. However, attempts to save her failed.
A February statement from the United States Virgin Islands Police Department read, “On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at approximately 2:39 a.m., detectives were notified of a dead on arrival (D.O.A) case at the Myrah Keating-Smith Clinic on St. John.”
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It continued, "Once at the clinic, CPR was rendered and 911 was notified, however, the female succumbed to her ailment. The female was identified by her boyfriend as 42-year-old, Ms. Jamie Cail from New Hampshire."
The statement added, “Anyone with any information regarding this case is urged to contact 911, Criminal Investigation Bureau, Detective J. Carty at (340) 693-8880, ext. 5207 or Detective S. Rhymer at (340) 774-2211 ext. 5572 or Crime Stoppers V.I. at 1 (800) 222-TIPS.”
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What did Jamie Cail’s family say following her death?
As per a Facebook post, a cousin of Cail’s, Jessica DeVries, said that “the family, though devastated, appreciates the support and love of the community.”
Besides, an unnamed pal of the late woman told News 9, “She was just she was she was a very beautiful person. She had a huge heart.”
The friend added, “She was really loving and kind and well-loved and popular on the island and everybody knows her. Everyone from you know, older generational, local families to the younger people, everybody loved her.”
Lindsay Mintenko, director of USA Swimming, also reportedly shared, “Jamie was a proud member of our National Teams in the late 1990s and was a cherished teammate. We extend our condolences to Jamie’s friends and family.”
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