Paralympic sailing champ Nick Scandone dies

UC Irvine alumnus Nick Scandone ’90, who became a world champion sailor while battling Lou Gehrig’s disease, died in his Fountain Valley home Jan. 2 at age 42. Scandone was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, six years ago, but the paralyzing disease didn’t deter him from achieving his dream of winning an Olympic gold medal in sailing. He won the medal three months ago at the 2008 Paralympic Sailing Regatta in Quindao, China. Scandone is survived by his wife, Mary Kate; father Vincent Scandone Sr.; and brother Vincent “Rocky” Scandone.