David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist who represented the United States at three Summer Games, has found himself at the centre of national attention following his arrest near the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC. Authorities accused the 67-year-old athlete of damaging government property at the historic site, while Hearn strongly denies the allegation.
Who is David Hearn?
David Hearn is a former American whitewater slalom canoeist who competed at the highest level of international competition for more than two decades. He became one of the most accomplished athletes in the history of US canoe slalom and earned recognition for his performances at both the Olympic Games and World Championships.
Hearn spent much of his sporting career representing the United States on the international stage and remains a respected figure within the canoeing community.
Why Was David Hearn Arrested?
Hearn was arrested on June 19, 2026, near the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC.
Authorities allege that he damaged government property at the recently renovated landmark. Video footage of the incident circulated widely online and showed officers questioning Hearn before placing him in handcuffs.
Hearn disputes the accusation and insists he did not damage the memorial.
“I didn’t vandalize anything,” Hearn told The Washington Post.
3-TIME US OLYMPIAN David Hearn ARRESTED
National Guard cuffs canoeist over Reflecting Pool ‘VANDALISM’ pic.twitter.com/aaSeeCO7AJ
— RT (@RT_com) June 20, 2026
“I didn’t destroy or break or peel anything. By the time I realized what was going on, I was being put in handcuffs,” he said.
According to Hearn, he was riding his bicycle near the memorial when he noticed part of the pool liner floating in the water. He said he merely touched the detached material before officers approached him.
David Hearn’s Olympic Career
Hearn represented the United States at three Olympic Games:
- 1992 Summer Olympics
- 1996 Summer Olympics
- 2000 Summer Olympics
Competing in whitewater slalom canoeing, he established himself as one of the country’s leading athletes in the discipline.
Although he did not win an Olympic medal, his consistent appearances at the Games highlighted his longevity and elite-level performance.
David Hearn’s World Championship Success
Beyond the Olympics, Hearn achieved major success at the Canoe Slalom World Championships.
His achievements include:
- Gold Medal – 1985 World Championships
- Gold Medal – 1995 World Championships
- Five World Championship Silver Medals
These accomplishments helped cement his reputation as one of the most successful American canoeists of his generation.
USA Canoe/Kayak Athlete of the Year
In recognition of his achievements, Hearn received the USA Canoe/Kayak Male Athlete of the Year award in 1995.
The honour reflected his outstanding performances during one of the most successful periods of his competitive career.
David Hearn Age
David Hearn is currently 67 years old.
Even after retiring from Olympic competition, he remained active within the canoeing community and continued supporting the sport through coaching, mentoring, and public appearances.
David Hearn Wife
Canadian professional golfer David Hearn is married to Heather Hearn, and the couple has maintained a private family life away from the public spotlight.
David Hearn Children
Canadian professional golfer David Hearn and his wife, Martha Jane, are parents to two children: their daughter, Ella, who was born in January 2013, and their son, Evan, who was born in November 2014.
David Hearn Net Worth
Canadian professional golfer David Hearn is believed to have a net worth ranging between $3 million and $5 million, largely earned through his successful golfing career, tournament winnings, sponsorship agreements, and endorsement partnerships.
What Happens Next?
Hearn was reportedly detained for nearly five hours before authorities released him. He is scheduled to appear in DC Superior Court on July 9, where he will face a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property.
Meanwhile, officials continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident at the Reflecting Pool. Hearn maintains that he did nothing wrong and plans to challenge the allegation in court.
As the legal process unfolds, the case has attracted widespread attention because of Hearn’s status as a three-time Olympian and one of America’s most accomplished canoe slalom athletes.
