Heartbreaking Loss: Teen Rower Ed Millear Collapses and Dies Post-Training
It’s a tragedy that shocked the Melbourne community when 17-year-old Ed Millear, a promising young rower from Melbourne Grammar School, unexpectedly collapsed after a routine training session. According to reports from local news outlets like Herald Sun and 7NEWS Australia, Millear was wrapped up in an intense row on a machine at the school’s boat shed beside the serene Yarra River when the unthinkable happened at around 4:40 p.m. on February 18. After collapsing, he received immediate CPR on-site, but after being airlifted to The Alfred Hospital, he sadly passed away just a few hours later, around 3:00 a.m. on the 19th.
School head Phillip Grutzner expressed the heartbreak in a somber email to the school community, confirming the news and reflecting on Millear’s admirable character: “He was treated immediately with first aid on-site with paramedics administering CPR soon after.” Grutzner described Millear as a “cheerful, friendly” student who immersed himself in school life and community service, all while aiming for a career in the commerce sector. Talk about being the full package!
Millear was an active member of the Second XIII rowing crew and was gearing up for the Australian Henley Regatta just days away, which makes this loss hit even harder. It’s a devastating reminder of how quickly life can change—a vibrant future extinguished far too soon. His family, who have deep ties to Melbourne Grammar (there’s a house named after his grandfather, which absolutely puts the ‘legacy’ in ‘family legacy’), remembered him as a “loving boy” adored by peers and family alike.
In these moments of sorrow, it’s heartwarming to witness the community rallying around the family, offering support and remembering a young life lived with passion and zeal. Emergency responders also deserve recognition; their swift actions reflect the essence of community support in times of crisis. This incident also raises awareness about the importance of health checks for young athletes. Losses like this highlight the urgent need for sports programs to prioritize athlete safety.
Rest in peace, Ed Millear—you’ll be missed.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, Herald Sun, 7NEWS Australia
