Melbourne Grammar School student dies after collapsing at rowing training

A Year 12 student at a Melbourne private school has died after he “unexpectedly collapsed” during rowing training.

Melbourne Grammar student Ed Millear collapsed after finishing an exercises session on a rowing machine at the school’s boat shed on Boathouse Drive on the city’s Yarra River on 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 3am on 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 year 12 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.”

Mr 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 3am 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 Mr 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 cancelled.