Latymer Upper Pays Tribute to " Much Loved" Rowing Coach
"Our thoughts are with family and friends of Michael Hill"
Latymer Upper School has paid tribute to its "much loved and respected" rowing coach Michael Hill, who is believed to have fallen into the Thames on Monday evening near Putney embankment.
Since then Putney Police and their colleagues in the River Police have searched for Mr Hill, but have only found an empty upturned boat.
On its website the Hammersmith school says: " Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Michael Hill, a much loved and respected member of our rowing coach team who has been missing since the evening of Monday 2nd February.
" Our understanding is that Michael became separated from his launch in an incident during a coaching session with Thames Rowing Club in Putney. An investigation led by the PLA (Port of London Authority) is ongoing."
Upper Latymer 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."
Michael Hill is a member of the London Rowing Club as well as coaching rowing at Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith.
A spokesman from the Port of London Authority says an investigation has been launched into the causes of the incident. He adds: "The search of the Thames up and downstream of Putney is continuing but we regret that he remains missing this afternoon.
" Our sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very difficult time and we ask that their privacy is respected."
February 3, 2015