Benjamin P. Fiddler, 21, student, swimmer
Benjamin P. Fiddler, 21, of Lafayette Hill, a college student, died Tuesday, May 17, after collapsing during a workout at his home.
Benjamin P. Fiddler, 21, of Lafayette Hill, a college student, died Tuesday, May 17, after collapsing during a workout at his home.
A Philadelphia emergency crew responded. Jeff Moran, spokesman for the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office, confirmed that Mr. Fiddler's death is a coroner's case. The cause of death was pending.
Known as Ben, Mr. Fiddler was a political science major at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Mass., where he had just completed his junior year. He was thinking about taking a year off after college and then going back for a graduate degree in political science or a law degree.
"Ben thoroughly enjoyed learning about political science and economics, and debating politics, especially with his mother, Lori," his family said in a written tribute.
In 2013, he graduated from Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School in Plymouth Meeting. He was inducted into the National Honor Society.
Mr. Fiddler was a swimmer who earned letters all four years in high school. In college, he competed on the UMass club swimming team and also helped out as a coach.
In recent years, Mr. Fiddler competed in triathlons, and ran his first 5K charity race earlier this spring in Massachusetts. When his father asked him how he did, Mr. Fiddler simply stated his running time.
"That sounds pretty good. How many finished in front of you?" his father asked.
"Just the one," Mr. Fiddler replied.
He also enjoyed playing tennis and traveling to Madison Square Garden to watch boxing matches with his father.
Mr. Fiddler was a quiet young man, at ease being alone or meeting friends for a movie. "He was comfortable with who he was," his father said.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by a sister Julia, 16; and a brother, Nick, 14, both of whom swim for Plymouth-Whitemarsh.
He also is survived by his paternal grandmother, Helen L. Fiddler; his paternal grandfather, Dr. Jerry B. Fiddler; his maternal grandmother, Joan Foss; and his maternal grandfather, John Foss.
A visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, May 23, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 3025 Church Rd., Lafayette Hill, will be followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service at the church. Burial is private.
Memorial donations may be made to the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, P.O. Box 67, Valley Forge, Pa. 19481-0067.
610-313-8102