White water (Gameplan Media)

Related Links

• Drama shapes first day of Fish
• Experience and youth for Fish
• SA win K2 marathon gold

Cradock – The Hansa Powerade Fish river canoe marathon has been shaken by the death of a participant on the first stage of the race on Friday. 

45 year old East London canoeist John Breetzke collapsed complaining of chest pains close to the end of the first stage, and was evacuated to Cradock hospital where he died of a suspected brain haemorrhage.

Breetzke was paddling with his brother Brian when the chest pains began, and they pulled up onto the banks of the river and passing paddlers helped to alert paramedics who were quickly despatched to the scene and transported him to Cradock hospital.

“We are devastated by this news, and our hearts go out to John’s family and friends,” said race committee chairperson Louis Copeman. “He was a popular and very proficient paddler who has been involved with the race for many years.”

“I am grateful to the ambulance staff and paramedics for their speedy response to this incident with the assistance of the local farmer, and to the two doctors who tended to him at Cradock hospital,” Copeman added.

Breetzke had completed 11 previous Hansa Powerade Fish River Canoe Marathons and was an experienced canoeist and adventure racer.