A tragic incident unfolded at a private school in Australia when a senior student collapsed during rowing training and later died. The 17-year-old, Ed Millear, was a student at Melbourne Grammar. He was participating in a rowing exercise at the school’s boat shed on Boathouse Drive, located along the Yarra River, when he suddenly collapsed on Tuesday afternoon.
Millear received immediate CPR at the scene before being transported to The Alfred hospital in critical condition. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, who placed him on a ventilator, Millear passed away at 3 am on Wednesday, surrounded by his family.
The Millear family released a statement expressing their grief, describing Ed as a beloved son and friend who had a passion for school and rowing. Melbourne Grammar’s headmaster, Phillip Grutzner, confirmed the unfortunate incident in an email sent out on Wednesday morning.
The email detailed the incident, stating that a twelfth-grade student had collapsed unexpectedly during rowing training at the school’s boat shed on the Yarra River. It also mentioned that immediate first aid was administered on-site, followed by paramedics performing CPR.
Grutzner further stated that the student was rushed to the hospital, where he received expert medical care. He expressed deep regret in informing that the student passed away early Wednesday morning. The school pledged to provide support to the family and the school community affected by this tragic event.
Millear, who had recently competed in Nagambie, was scheduled to participate in the Australian Henley Regatta the following weekend. The Millear family has a long-standing connection with Melbourne Grammar, with a house named after Millear’s grandfather.
On Wednesday, students were seen consoling each other at the school. Melbourne Grammar, which has a student population of about 2,000, flew its flags at half-mast and held an assembly in honor of Millear. School sports activities were also canceled as a mark of respect.