A heartbreaking event occurred at a private educational institution in Australia when a senior pupil succumbed during a rowing practice and later passed away. Ed Millear, a 17-year-old student at Melbourne Grammar, was involved in a rowing drill at the school’s boathouse on Boathouse Drive, situated along the Yarra River. He unexpectedly fell unconscious on Tuesday afternoon.
Immediate CPR was administered to Millear at the scene before he was rushed to The Alfred hospital in a critical state. Despite the medical team’s best efforts, including placing him on a ventilator, Millear died at 3 am on Wednesday, with his family by his side.
The Millear family expressed their sorrow in a statement, describing Ed as a cherished son and friend with a love for academics and rowing. Phillip Grutzner, the headmaster of Melbourne Grammar, confirmed the unfortunate event in an email dispatched on Wednesday morning.
The email outlined the incident, stating that a twelfth-grade student had unexpectedly collapsed during a rowing practice at the school’s boathouse on the Yarra River. It also noted that immediate first aid was given on-site, followed by paramedics performing CPR.
Grutzner further mentioned that the student was quickly taken to the hospital, where he received expert medical attention. He expressed profound sorrow in reporting that the student died early Wednesday morning. The school committed to offering support to the family and the school community affected by this tragic incident.
Millear, who had recently competed in Nagambie, was set to participate in the Australian Henley Regatta the following weekend. The Millear family has a long-standing association with Melbourne Grammar, with a house named after Millear’s grandfather.
On Wednesday, students were observed comforting each other at the school. Melbourne Grammar, which has a student body of approximately 2,000, lowered its flags to half-mast and held an assembly in honor of Millear. School sports activities were also suspended as a sign of respect.