River Dart tragedy 21/11/9

[Mark R]

Our friend Chris Wheeler was drowned yesterday, after becoming pinned upon a tree on the upper Dart. He was enjoying his favourite run at his favourite water level.

Please refrain from comments or speculation on the incident. Our thoughts are with Chris' partner and his family.

[geoff.p]

Truly Tragic...... my thoughts are with Chis' family and friends..... RIP

[quicky]

Apologies, to all,

I posted this morning when the incident was anounced on the news and now know why the were removed,

At times like this words can never truely express what we feel and say.
our deepest thoughts go out to Chris' family and friends.

Andrew, Janet and Jacob

[Steve B]

This is terrible news. My thoughts are with everyone involved.

[JohnAllan]

I hope that you will accept this message of support and of condolescences to Chris's Family and those with him yesterday.

John, Penny, Jane and Lucy Allan

[buck197]

A terrible tragedy and my thoughts are with Chris's family and friends.

[Ross W]

Condolences to all involved.

Tragic news. Really tragic. :(

[jamesreeves]

A very sad time, my thoughts are with family, friends and the group he was with.

[Benny_boy]

This is very sad news indeed. My thoughts are with Chris' family and friends.

Ben

[Gareth H]

What a shock, true tragedy, Very sad news, condolences to family, friends and the group that were with him.

Such a notorious stretch of river and an Iconic paddler.

Chris was definately one of the Greats in our sport and was found paddling the Thames weirs one by one on the Late shift during the week, and then went to run rivers at the weekend. He always told me that the Thames Valley had it all, 7 Days of varied boating oppurtunity with great rivers with in 4 hours drive in almost every direction, and just enough time to work to pay for it all.

Even though I didn't Know Chris for long, I cant help but feel knumb from his loss, however inspired to continue in his memory. The Night Shift in the Valley will never be the Same.

Again my thoughts are with everyone involved.

Gareth

[Andy_L]

Rest in Peace, our friend Chris. You'll be sorely missed.

Andy

[enb]

Apologies, to all,

I posted this morning when the incident was anounced on the news and now know why the were removed,

At times like this words can never truely express what we feel and say.
our deepest thoughts go out to Chris' family and friends.

Andrew, Janet and Jacob

I also done the same,

I'm very sorry if my post caused any distress, my greatest sympathy goes out to Chris's family and friends and his fellow paddlers.

When I heard this on the news last night I was shocked, it makes you realise that tragedy can happen at any time in our sport.

[Chas C]

I don't know how to really put my feelings of sadness into words, other than rest in peace Chris, your already missed.

My thoughts are also with Chris' family and friends.

[David P]

Dreadfully sorry to hear this news. My sympathies to Chris's family and friends, and to all those involved in this incident.

[cswalker]

I'm in utter shock.

Chris, rest in peace my friend, you will always be loved and missed and we are at least glad your time came when you were in one of your favourite places, with I am sure some of your best friends. Take care good sir and we all look forward to seeing you again on the other side.

[Millsy]

Very sad news. My thoughts go out to Chris's family and friends, and to all those involved in this tragic incident.

Mark

[JamesA]

I just saw the news on the front page of the Sun newspaper's website.

A real shock, as his carefully considered comments were always interesting to read on UKRGB and TVF.

Respect and condolencies to his family and friends, naturally.

[Jules]

An inspirational paddler and an ambassador to the sport. You will be missed Chris. RIP.

Jules

[Ricks-Freestyle-Mind]

An inspirational paddler and an ambassador to the sport.

Totally agree. RIP Chris, sincere condolences to family and friends.

[Ryan Clements]

Sencere condolences to Chris' family and all that knew him well. I only met and paddled with him briefly in Norway; a lovely man who I have no doubt will be sorely missed. Very sad.

[Gb]

I'll miss Chris for many reasons, but in particular a lesson he taught me. I thought he was a rather pessimistic kayaker on my first day's creeking with him...when he donned his knee pads. Then he told me the story of Conwy Falls. I had been giving it serious consideration, but thankfully have never since felt the same compulsion. A wonderful man we'll all miss and a loss to everyone who knew him.

[MikeB]

Others also send condolences - I've had a few pm's from Song of the Paddle members and there is a similar thread on that forum.

Mike.

[feelingjustfine]

Tragic. Deepest condolences to all friends and family.

Chris.

[Ben-E]

I just read the news here in Vietnam.
I'm not sure if I ever met Chris directly but I always read his stories and I am shocked to hear what happened.
My thoughts are with his family and many many friends at this moment.

[councildog]

A Very Sad Story
My Thoughts Go out To His family And friends

[yurperjoe]

Can't believe the news, it's a very sad day.
You'll be missed Chris for so many reasons.
My deepest regrets go to all who had the pleasure of knowing Chris.
Rest in peace buddy.
J

[Robbie C]

What a shock!

Having only heard him at the SWSKM talking about his Sea kayaking holidays, He seemed like a nice, well spoken person, a good ambassador for the sport. He just happened to quietly do some very impressive things when you realise you had read His articles in the canoeing press.

Thoughts are with his Family & Friends.

Robbie C.

[Tom_Laws]

Very sad news, Chris was an inspiration, always so friendly, and so often the voice of reason.

My thoughts are with all.

Tom

[GLC GAV]

I met him last weekend eyeing up the Glen, he was a really friendly guy. My thoughts go to his family and friends.

[creekbasher]

Very sad news, my condolences to his family and friends, may he RIP. We met and paddled together some time ago. Always good company.