A senior at an Australian private school has died after he “unexpectedly collapsed” during rowing training.
Melbourne Grammar student Ed Millear collapsed after finishing an exercise session on a rowing machine at the school’s boat shed on Boathouse Drive on the city’s Yarra River Tuesday afternoon, the Herald Sun reports.
The 17-year-old received CPR before he was rushed to The Alfred hospital in a critical condition and placed on a ventilator.
He died at 3 am Wednesday morning surrounded by family.
“Ed was a loving boy, loved by his family and friends, adored school and loved rowing,” his family said in a statement to the Herald Sun.
Melbourne Grammar headmaster Phillip Grutzner confirmed the tragedy in an email on Wednesday morning.
“At rowing training yesterday a twelfth-grade student unexpectedly collapsed at our boat house on the Yarra River,” the email read.
“He was treated immediately with first aid on-site with paramedics administering CPR soon after.”
Grutzner said the 17-year-old was transported to hospital “where he received expert care from the medical staff”.
“It is with great sadness that I regret to inform you that he died at 3 am this morning, we will continue to provide supports with family and the rest of the school community who affected his time.”
The 17-year-old, who had recently competed in Nagambie, was set to race at the Australian Henley Regatta this weekend.
The Millear family have strong ties to the prestigious school, with a house named after Millear’s grandfather.
Students were seen comforting each other at the school on Wednesday.
Melbourne Grammar, which has about 2,000 students, flew its flags at half-mast and held an assembly on Wednesday, The Age reports.
School sports were also canceled.
News.com.au has contacted Melbourne Grammar School for comment.
