A popular rowing club member has died after collapsing at the end of his race at the club's annual regetta.
Ken Mills, from Colchester, who was treasurer and a trustee of Sudbury Rowing Club, was rushed by ambulance to West Suffolk Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A bid to revive the 58-year old married father-of-two had also been undertaken at the regetta by the St John Ambulance team and on-site doctors.
The tragedy happened as Mr Mills, along with his wife Christiane, and other members took part in the club's 124th regetta on the River Stour on Saturday.
Club chairman Tricia McGrillen said members were "shocked and extremely saddened" by Mr Mills' death.
Ms McGrillen said: "Ken was very keen on keeping himself fit. He used to be a cyclist before coming to the rowing club about 12 years ago.
"He was very committed to rowing and very competitive. He was a key member of the club having served on the committee as secretary before becoming treasurer."
Mr Mills had raced at many regattas over the years, including Henley, and trained regularly both on and off the water.
Ms McGrillen added: "We gain some comfort in knowing that he died taking part in a sport that he loved at the club he was dedicated to."
In accordance with the wishes of Mr Mills' wife, Christiane, who was also competing that day, the club continued with its Regatta weekend.
The funeral is to take place at Colchester Crematoruim, Mersea Road, next Thursday.
The family have requested donations to the British Heart Foundation, instead of flowers
Published Thursday August 12, 2004
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