The international whitewater family are deeply saddened by the death of British kayaking great Bren Orton.

Orton’s body was found in Lago Maggiore in Italy on May 30 following a tragic accident on the nearby River Melezza on May 16.

Orton was a renowned professional kayaker, known for his distinct freestyle tricks on huge waves and waterfalls across the world.

After starting kayaking at the age of nine, following a school trip, Orton fell in love with the sport, starting his global adventures by paddling on the White Nile in Uganda aged 16.

Bren did compete internationally, representing Great Britain’s Canoe Freestyle team at the 2015 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships in Ottawa where he made the final in the men's kayak.

A trailblazer, Orton’s true passion was exploring and running waterfalls, capturing many of his exploits on video, shared across social media to his fellow paddlers and followers.

Orton rose to prominence in 2018, after completing the descent of the Big Banana Falls in Mexico. The 128-foot fall was the second highest descent made by a kayaker.

In a joint statement on Friday, Palm Equipment and Pyranha Kayaks said: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that our friend and ambassador Bren Orton is no longer with us.

“It has been reported that Bren's body was recovered yesterday (30th May) in Lago Maggiore, Italy, following a tragic accident on the nearby River Melezza on the 16th of May.

“The outpouring of love and support from the paddling community since Bren went missing has been extraordinary.

“This support has been a profound source of strength for all of us, especially for his family and close friends.

“Sending our love to our paddling family at this time.”

Terry Best, Chair of the International Canoe Federation Canoe Freestyle Committee, described Orton as “one of the all-time greats”.

“Bren was a great paddler but also a great person and a great friend to so many,” said Best.

“His achievements on the water will never be forgotten but his achievements as a person go so much further than that.

“Bren gave back so much more than he took, and that is how he will be remembered.

“Bren made things better, and his memory will live on.”

Ashley Metcalfe, Chief Executive of Paddle UK said: “A huge loss to the paddlesport community, Bren Orton’s trailblazing achievements in freestyle and paddling adventures across the world have made a huge impact.

“Without question, he will be remembered as one of our sport's greatest ever ambassadors.

“On behalf of our members, staff and the Board of Paddle UK, I would like to send my condolences to Bren's family, friends and fellow paddlers.”

Source: Paddle UK