Ed Millear: Melbourne Grammar School student dies suddenly after collapsing at rowing training

An elite private school has paid tribute to a Year 12 student who died suddenly after collapsing during rowing training.

Year 12 student Ed Millear died after his health took a turn at Melbourne Grammar School’s boat shed on the Yarra River on Tuesday afternoon.

It’s believed he had finished a training session on a rowing machine just before he collapsed, The Herald Sun reports. He was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but could not be saved.

Melbourne Grammar headmaster Phillip Grutzner emailed parents to inform them of the tragedy on Wednesday morning.

“At rowing training yesterday a year 12 student unexpectedly collapsed at our boat house on the Yarra River,” he wrote.

“He was treated immediately with first aid on-site with paramedics administering CPR soon after. He was then transported to The Alfred 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 3am this morning.

“We will continue to provide supports to the family and the rest of the school community who are affected at this time.”

In a statement provided to the Herald Sun, Ed’s family described him as “a loving boy, loved by his family and friends, adored school and loved rowing”. He leaves behind mother Dimity, father Spencer and siblings Simon and Eleanor.

The family has longstanding ties to Melbourne Grammar School, where fees can be as high as $44,000 a year, with Ed’s great great great grandfather graduating from there in 1884. Subsequent generations have attended the school through to the current day.

The school is considered a national leader in school rowing, with several alumni having competed in multiple Olympics.

In a statement to the media, Mr Grutzner said the school was mourning the loss of its student, whom it did not name “out of respect for the family.”

Mr Grutzner said he was a “cheerful, friendly and easy-going person who demonstrated great care and empathy for his fellow students and for others through enthusiastic participation in service activities.

“In relation to his studies, he was hardworking and diligent. He aspired to a career in the commerce sector in the future.

“He was a keen rugby player playing in the First XV last year, and a valued member of the Second XIII rowing crew.”

“As is always the case, the welfare of our students is our highest priority. We recognise that each may respond to this tragic news in different ways. The School has a strong pastoral care program and we are drawing on all our expertise to ensure that each student is cared for and supported as they come to terms with the loss of their friend.

“The School will continue to provide support to the student’s family over the days and months to come.

“I am proud to be part of a School community so permeated with consideration for others. I have great confidence that our broader School community will support each other during this challenging time.”