Body Of Latymer Upper Rowing Coach Found
Nearly five weeks had passed since Michael Hill's upturned boat was discovered
A body discovered in the Thames near Putney Bridge yesterday (March 8th) has been identified as Michael Hill, the Latymer School rowing coach who had been missing for nearly five weeks.
It is believed that Mr Hill fell into the Thames on 2nd February near Putney embankment. Since then Putney Police and their colleagues in the River Police had searched for Mr Hill, but had until Sunday only found an empty upturned boat.
Michael D Hill, aged 48, worked part-time at Latymer Upper School and also coached at the London Rowing Club on Putney Embankment.
It is understood that he was leading a group of eight rowers from Thames Rowing Club out on a routine training session near Putney Pier on Monday (February 2nd) when he went missing.
Chiswick RNLI lifeboat crew retrieved the motorboat launch he was using but it was found to be empty.
Paying tribute, the Latymer School at Hammersmith said on its web site: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Michael Hill, a much loved and respected member of our rowing coach team, who was recovered from the Thames yesterday and has been formally identified. Our understanding is that Michael became separated from his launch in an incident during a coaching session with Thames Rowing Club in Putney on Monday 2nd February. An investigation led by the PLA (Port of London Authority) is ongoing.
The Head, David Goodhew says: “This is an extremely distressing time for all at the School – in particular Michael’s colleagues in the boat club and pupil crews who make up the close-knit rowing community at Latymer Upper School. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this terrible time.”
March 9, 2015
