Canoeist killed in river drama near Ludlow

A 48-year-old man has died after a canoeing accident on the River Teme near Ludlow despite desperate attempts by emergency services to save him.

Steve Wall, from Elton near Ludlow on the Shropshire border, had been canoeing near a weir at Bromfield when he got into difficulties at about 9.30am yesterday. A passer-by raised the alert and Mr Wall was recovered by emergency services.

Fire service rescue boats and a police helicopter were used in the rescue, while members of West Midlands Ambulance Service's Hazardous Area Response Team and a Midlands Air Ambulance crew from Cosford also attended.

Tributes have today been paid to Mr Wall by colleagues at Wyre Forest Canoe Club. It comes a day after the death of fellow member Dave Smith on Sunday afternoon in another canoeing incident in Cornwall.

Chris Kowalik, spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance, said: "A man who had been canoeing on the river and who had got into difficulty was brought to the river bank by fire service rescue boat. The fire crews had begun CPR on the rescue boat."

Mr Wall was taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital by land ambulance, accompanied by the air ambulance paramedic and doctor, with resuscitation attempts continuing on route to hospital, but nothing could be done to save him.

Inspector Andy Smith from West Mercia Police said: "We had a call at 9.37am from a member of the public who had observed a canoeist in trouble on the water. Police responded with fire and ambulance crews."

Dog walkers and residents crowded around the weir to watch the emergency services inspect the scene.

In a message on Wyre Forest Canoe Club's message board member Dan Gale said: "Again shocked news that in less than 24 hours we have lost another great friend and all round nice guy. RIP Steve."

A message from Simon Elspeth and Dom said: "Gobsmacked and stunned. Another sad loss."