Passages: Jamaica Swimming’s Matthew Hilton, 18

KINGSTON, Jamaica, September 19. THE Amateur Swimming Association of Jamaica released the following information regarding the untimely death of 18-year-old National Team member Matthew Hilton. Hilton was slated to compete in the 2008 Youth Commonwealth Games in India next month.

We have all been devastated by the very sudden passing of National Team Swimmer, Matthew Hilton. Matthew, a Member of the Y-Speedos Swim Club, was going through a "light" training session with his club Coach Michael Wilson in the YMCA Pool. Prior to or during the training session, Matthew gave no indication that he was feeling ill or had any complaints.

In between sets, Matthew suddenly started to "shake" and had difficulty standing up in the pool. His coach and Colin Brown (President Y-Speedos) pulled Matthew out of the pool and they quickly realized that something was seriously wrong. He was placed in a car and rushed to the Andrews Memorial Hospital while Coach Brenton performed CPR.

ASAJ Swimming VP Brian James, who was about to start surgery at Andrews Memorial, rushed to assist Matthew and tried everything possible to revive him. Our thoughts and prayers must be with his family, particularly his mother, Angela Robinson, and his sister Nandi. Matthew was a fantastic young man, one who we would all be proud to hold up as a role model. He was the first Primary School (Excelsior Primary) student who qualified for a National Swim Team.

The family needs your support during this difficult time. We should also remember that many swimmers in our family were close to Matthew and they need our support too.

John Eyre, President ASAJ
September 12, 2008

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