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Man dies after canoe incident

Northumbria Police

13 February 2011


Emergency services were called to the River Tyne at Riding Mill near Hexham at 2.25pm on Saturday, February 12, following reports of a canoeist in difficulties.
The incident occurred just off the A695 in the weir by the Riding Mill pump station. Emergency services including the police, ambulance, Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, air ambulance and RAF Boulmer attended.
Due to the turbulent river water, the canoeist was winched out of the canoe by an RAF Boulmer helicopter  at 3.04pm and was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary.  He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Relatives have been informed. We can confirm that the deceased is Andrew Weatherill aged 33, from Hartlepool.
A report is being prepared for the coroner.