Touching tribute to Lancaster man who died after getting into difficulty in River Lune

Rower Ben Booth was pulled from the River Lune at Lancaster by emergency services after getting into difficulty along with another man on Sunday, (October 8).

Sadly although one man was rescued, Ben was later pronounced dead at hospital.

A spokesman for Lancaster John O’Gaunt Rowing Club said in their recent newsletter: “The whole club is grieving deeply over the loss of an extremely popular and personable member.

"Ben Booth had only rowed with the club since May but fitted straight into our rowing family.

"He was an extremely experienced and capable oarsman who was free with sharing his skills and knowledge, both on the water and in indoor coaching sessions.

"We have received messages of support and condolences from many clubs in the region, also from the Regional Chairman and President as well as from Alastair Marks the Chief Executive of British Rowing.

"Club members are supporting each other and have the offer of support from the welfare advisor and from external agencies, which are also available to anyone who feels the need for support in this difficult time.

“I’m sure everyone will join us in sending our heartfelt condolences to Ben’s family, friends and colleagues.

"He will be missed dearly and will remain forever in our thoughts."

British Rowing said: "We share our deepest sympathies with Lancaster John O' Gaunt Rowing Club and its members following the tragic loss of their fellow rower Ben Booth. “Our thoughts are with Ben's friends and family.”

Lancaster University issued a tribute to Ben who had worked in the marketing office for nearly four years.

A spokesman from the university said: “Lancaster University was deeply saddened to learn of the death of our colleague Ben Booth.

“As Marketing Manager for the Faculty of Health and Medicine, Ben had been part of the Marketing Office for nearly four years and, having worked with so many colleagues across the University’s faculties and central teams, he made many firm friends during his time at Lancaster University.

“His loss came as a shock to us all.

"He will be sincerely missed, and our thoughts are particularly with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

A tribute to Ben will be held at the club on Saturday (October 21) at 10am.

The club was closed last week as a mark of respect but reopened on Monday, (October 16).