Rowing community grieves loss of much-loved Melbourne Grammar student Edward Millear

The Sudden Loss of Edward Millear and Its Impact on the School Community

Melbourne Grammar School is mourning the unexpected loss of Edward Millear, a student who was deeply loved and cherished by everyone in the school community. The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through the school, leaving students, staff, and parents grappling with grief. Edward’s death occurred during a rowing training session at the boat shed on Tuesday afternoon, and it has prompted an outpouring of condolences and support from all corners of the school.

Headmaster Philip Grutzner addressed the students in an email, offering them a way to honor Edward’s memory. He suggested that students could wear black armbands during upcoming sporting activities as a sign of respect and solidarity. Additionally, he encouraged teams to observe a minute’s silence at the start of their matches, should they wish to do so. Grutzner also announced that the school chapel would be open after classes on Friday for students and parents to pay their respects and reflect on Edward’s life.

The Investigation and School’s Response

Edward’s death is currently under investigation by the coroner, as is standard procedure in cases of unexpected fatalities. WorkSafe has also begun making inquiries to determine whether a full workplace safety investigation is warranted. While the investigation is ongoing, Edward’s father, Spence Millear, has publicly stated that he holds no criticism against the school or its rowing program. He emphasized that recriminations would not bring his son back and acknowledged that the school is doing everything in its power to support the community during this difficult time.

Spence Millear expressed his belief that the school will scrutinize the circumstances surrounding Edward’s death thoroughly, as the incident has deeply affected the entire school community. He reiterated that the focus should be on understanding what happened, rather than assigning blame. The school has been in close contact with the Millear family, with the headmaster visiting them personally to offer condolences and support.

The Culture of Rowing at Melbourne Grammar School

Melbourne Grammar School is renowned for its elite rowing program, which is considered one of the strongest in the Associated Public Schools (APS) competition. Students who participate in the program are among the best in the state, and a spot in the first boat is highly coveted. For many, it is not just about the sport but also about the potential opportunities it can bring, such as attracting the attention of scouts at major events or providing a pathway to scholarships at prestigious universities like those in the US Ivy League.

The rowing program is known for its demanding schedule, with senior-level students committing most of their mornings and evenings to training. Families of students who join the program are well-aware of the significant commitment required. While the program is rigorous, those involved emphasize that the welfare and mental health of the athletes are always a priority. A former rowing coach at the school, speaking anonymously, said that the wellbeing of the students was always his primary concern. He noted that while pushing oneself to the limit is part of any elite sports program, students were never encouraged to go beyond what was safe or healthy.

Remembering Edward and Honoring His Memory

Edward Millear is remembered as a “loveable, beautiful kid” who touched the lives of everyone he met. His father, Spence, described him as a vibrant and charming individual who will be deeply missed. The loss of Edward has left the school community in a state of disbelief and grief, with many struggling to come to terms with the sudden and tragic event. The school has been focused on supporting students and staff, particularly those who were closest to Edward and those who provided first aid after he collapsed.

The headmaster, Philip Grutzner, has praised the school’s rowing coach, Noel Donaldson, for running a program that prioritizes not only rowing skills and strategy but also the mental health and welfare of the athletes. Grutzner emphasized that the school’s priority remains the care and support of its students and staff during this difficult time.

The Upcoming Regatta and a Tribute to Edward

The school rowing community is preparing for the annual Heads of the River regatta, which is scheduled to take place on March 22 at Nagambie Lakes. This year, the event will be tainted by the loss of Edward, and the atmosphere is expected to be more subdued than usual. The APS spokesperson has indicated that the organization is open to any suggestions from the school regarding a tribute to Edward at the event.

For the students and coaches who knew Edward, the regatta will be a bittersweet occasion. While it is an opportunity to celebrate the sport they love, it will also serve as a poignant reminder of the loss they have endured. The tight-knit rowing community, which trains on the Yarra River nearly every morning, will come together to honor Edward’s memory and find strength in their shared grief.

A Family’s Grief and the Broader Implications

Spence Millear and his family are still grappling with the loss of their son, describing it as “unimaginable” and stating that they are “gutted” by the tragedy. Spence acknowledged that while the rowing program is demanding, it is also a sport that his son loved and was passionate about. He made it clear that he is not defending the program but rather acknowledging the inherent risks and challenges that come with elite-level sports.

The death of Edward Millear has raised questions about the pressures and demands of elite school sports programs, but it has also highlighted the strong sense of community and support that exists within institutions like Melbourne Grammar. As the school and its community continue to mourn the loss of a beloved student, they are also coming together to support one another and honor Edward’s memory.

In the days and weeks ahead, Melbourne Grammar School will undoubtedly face difficult questions and challenges as it seeks to understand what happened and how to prevent similar tragedies in the future. For now, however, the focus remains on grieving, supporting one another, and celebrating the life of a student who was loved by all.