Tributes are paid to accident victim Ross Moodie

Sep 4 2009 by Rob Pattinson, The Journal

A NEWCASTLE University sporting star has fallen to his death during a rock climbing accident in Greece.

Talented rower Ross Moodie, 20, died from extensive all-over body injuries after falling 80ft from a mountain in Etoloakarnania, in the north of the country.

Unable to revive the keen rugby player, friends he was climbing with could only wait at his side as Ross died before help could reach him.

The marketing and management student, who had recently completed a sandwich year working for IBM, in London, was a qualified sailing instructor and had been working for holiday firm Sunsail before returning to his studies.

Reports from Greece have stated Ross suffered two broken legs, a broken wrist and head injuries in the tragic accident.

Tributes have been paid to the ‘promising’ sportsman and businessman, who was due to be heading to Kruszwica, in Poland, next week, to compete in the European Universities rowing championship (EUSA), with Newcastle University Boat Club’s sevens crew. Ross joined the team as a novice with current crew members, who will be rowing in black armbands in memory of their lost friend.

Head coach of the Boat Club, Angelo Savarino, said: “Ross was a very popular character within the club who was always full of life. His loss is a tragedy, and everyone at the club was shocked and upset by the news.

“The guys wanted to wear black armbands during the competition in Poland to show their respect and affection for him.”

Mason Durant, who began rowing at the same time as Ross, said: “A lot of us joined the boat club at the same time and we rowed together as novices. We were expecting Ross to join us again at the beginning of next term, and we are all very saddened by the news of his untimely death.”