‘Love you. See you tonight’: Greiving mum of Melbourne Grammar rower Ed Millear shares heartbreaking tribute

The grieving mother of Melbourne Grammar School student Ed Millear, who died after collapsing during rowing training, has shared a heartbreaking tribute to her “beautiful” boy.

“Love you. See you tonight.”

These were the last words Melbourne schoolboy Edward Millear said to his mum as she dropped him to school on Tuesday.

Hours later, the much-loved son, friend and teammate tragically died while at rowing training, sending shockwaves through the Melbourne Grammar community.

Ed’s mother Dimity on Saturday told the Herald Sun her family was “so very grateful for the support” they had received from rowing families, coaches and the committee.

“Ed loved his family, his friends, rowing, rugby and his girlfriend Mackenzie,” she said.

“They all made him into the beautiful young man he was.”

The Melbourne Grammar crew pays tribute to Ed Millear. Picture: Tony Gough

Only a week ago Edward Millear’s Melbourne Grammar School crewmates had unknowingly raced their last regatta with their beloved three-seat.

Today, they left that seat empty, just for him.

During an emotional return to racing at the Australian Henley Regatta on Saturday, over 100 students and parents lined the banks of the Yarra River to support Ed’s devastated crew members, days on from his tragic death.

The Melbourne Grammar crew and mourners pause for a moment of silence. Picture: Tony Gough

After races had wrapped up just after midday, the Melbourne Grammar second eight, Ed’s former crew, led a procession of boats down the river to the sound of rapturous applause from the crowd.

Choosing to row with only seven rowers, the crew instead filled Ed’s seat with a delicate bouquet of white flowers before holding a moment’s silence in memory of their fallen mate.

Barely a dry eye could be seen from the banks of the Yarra as the crews finished their “row through” back to the riverbank.

The grassy slope near the finishing line of the “mile long” course was packed, shoulder to shoulder, with students, offering each other an embrace following the emotional tribute.

Boathouse Dr was teeming with people throughout the morning, with parents lining up for coffees as kids in ‘zoot suits’ sought shade from the beating sun.

Floral tributes lined the front of the Melbourne Grammar boat shed, stacked neatly against the blue wooden panelling.

A message from the Melbourne Grammar School Boat Club Committee hangs prominently near the boat shed doors, entitled: “Out Beloved Ed”.

“Our hearts go out to the Millear family at this incredibly sad time,” the message read.

“Ed was a much loved and respected member of the Melbourne Grammar rowing community.

“He was adored by his friends, peers and coaches and known for his friendly smile, big presence and kind nature. We will miss him dearly.”

Hand written cards and short notes were attached atop the bunches of flowers.

“We miss you mate,” one read.

The floral tribute arranged in the boat. Picture: Tony Gough

The Melbourne Grammar community was left devastated by the tragedy. Picture: Tony Gough

Barely a dry eye could be seen from the banks of the Yarra as the young rowers paddled back to the Melbourne Grammar boatshed.

Reports of Ed’s passing have sent shockwaves throughout the rowing community, days after the 17-year-old collapsed during rowing training on Tuesday afternoon.

The Herald Sun previously reported Ed had finished a 2,000 metre erg test when he inexplicably fell to the floor of the Melbourne Grammar boatshed.

Staff and paramedics attempted to revive him but Ed died in hospital, surrounded by family, at 3am on Wednesday.

The Millear family shared a touching statement following his passing, saying he was a “loving boy” who adored school and rowing.

Ed collapsed after finishing training on Tuesday afternoon. Picture: Tony Gough

Crew members embrace one another. Picture: Tony Gough

Melbourne Grammar headmaster Philip Grutzner said Ed had been a big part of the school and was already planning ahead for the future.

“In relation to his studies, he was hardworking and diligent,” Mr Grutzner said in a statement on Wednesday.

“He aspired to a career in the commerce sector in the future.

“He was a keen rugby player playing in the First XV last year, and a valued member of the Second XIII rowing crew.”

When approached for comment on Saturday, Melbourne Grammar said Mr Grutzner was focused on supporting the rowers and was not available for comment.

Melbourne Grammar alumni have thrown their support behind the rowing squad and coaching staff, led by legendary Oarsome Foursome coach Noel Donaldson.

The Melbourne Grammar second eights with seven rowers today at the end of the Henley Regatta in honour of Ed. Picture: Tony Gough

The moving tribute came four days after Ed collapsed after a training session. Picture: Tony Gough

Mr Donaldson took up the role as Head of Rowing back in 2023, telling Grammar News at the time he wanted to give his boys an opportunity to follow an aspiration.

“My focus is on making the process enjoyable, improving their skills, and seeing where we can take Melbourne Grammar from here.”

In a statement shared to social media, Rowing Australia CEO Sarah Cook said she was “deeply saddened” to learn of Ed’s passing, adding they stood ready to support those affected if required.

“Our heartfelt condolences go to Ed’s family and his friends, schoolmates and crewmates at Melbourne Grammar School,” Ms Cook said.

“Rowing is a tight-knit sport with so many shared bonds and relationships.

“We know this tragic loss will impact a great deal of people across our community and they are all in our thoughts after this heartbreaking news.”

Victoria Police are preparing a report for the coroner and a WorkSafe spokesman said they were in the “inquiry stage” but no formal proceedings had commenced.