AKA William Dean Johnson

Born: 30-Mar-1960
Birthplace: Los Angeles, CA
Died: 21-Jan-2016
Location of death: Gresham, OR
Cause of death: unspecified

Gender: Male
Race or Ethnicity: White
Sexual orientation: Straight
Occupation: Skier

Nationality: United States
Executive summary: Downhill skiing gold medal, 1984

In 1984, Johnson became the first American man to win an Olympic gold medal for Alpine skiing. But following that triumph, his career waned, and he did not qualify for the 1988 Olympics. After holding down a series of odd jobs and an attempt at professional golf, in 2001 Johnson attempted a comeback. In the US Alpine championships that year, a kamikaze run down the mountain ended in a three-week coma and permanent brain injury. While he does not remember much of the 1990s, Johnson physically recovered enough to ski casually, but this did not last. By 2010 the right side of his body was paralyzed.

Wife: Gina Ricci (m. 1986, div. 1999, three sons)
Son: Ryan (d. 1992 drowned in hot tub)
Son: Tyler
Son: Nick

    Olympic Gold Medal 1984 (downhill skiing)
    Oregon Sports Hall of Fame
    Coma 2001 (three weeks)
    Stroke 2010
    Bankruptcy

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