Pupil dies white water rafting on school trip

A PUPIL aged 17 has been killed while white water rafting on a grammar school trip to Ecuador.

Matthew Hitchman, 17, was with classmates and teachers on a month-long trek across the Andes.

While rafting he fell from an inflatable boat on Sunday and attempts to save him “proved impossible” said his headmaster, Philip Wayne.

Matthew, described as a “splendid young man”, was a pupil at the all-boys Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, founded in 1548 and one of the oldest schools in the country.

He and 11 other sixth-formers were in South America on a trip organised by expedition experts World Challenge designed to teach teamwork and leadership skills.

Mr Wayne said yesterday: “Matthew will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

“He was a caring, friendly and well-liked student who was highly regarded by his teachers and fellow pupils.

“Hardworking, courteous and reliable and described as a ‘splendid young man’ by his form tutor, ‘Highly regarded’ grammar school pupil Matthew died after falling from an inflatable raft on a trip with other students Matthew had the qualities of someone who, combined with his academic ability, was destined to do well. Our hearts and our thoughts go out to Matthew’s family.

“Our energies have been focused on ensuring the safe and compassionate return of 11 boys to the UK without one of their team mates. The boys have now been reunited with their families.”

World Challenge said it had suspended white water rafting in all destinations until the completion of a safety review.

The pupils had been working in Ecuador on a community project to provide sustainable tourism income.