Ethan Walsh: The death that shocked the athletics world

Ethan Walsh's death shocked the world of athletics earlier this year after the 27-year-old pole vaulter was involved in a car crash that led to his death. His family announced the news two days after the accident, with Ethan's injuries proving too severe.

Posting on Facebook, Ethan's father, David, announced, his son had been in “an accident in his car,” and was “surrounded by his family,” when he passed away on the 13th September.

David continued, writing, “We are broken. Ethan was an athlete, a therapist, a brother, an uncle, a boyfriend, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin and a son who we could not be prouder of.”

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In a touching tribute to his son, David also added, “He had grown into a wonderful caring man who just enjoyed every single day.”

Ethan was 27 when he passed away and whilst pole vaulting was his passion, David also added that his son had, “built a business and was on the path to a fantastic future.”

David’s tribute concluded, “We have been robbed of the opportunity to witness that future and to be a part of it, and for that we are utterly heartbroken. Ethan was awesome, an exceptional son, and my best friend too. I am devastated by his loss and will need a lot of time to attempt to come to terms with it.”

Ethan Walsh had been a part of the Loughborough Pole Vault Squad who posted a tribute of their own on Instagram, writing that they, “can’t comprehend that you are gone.”

They also described Walsh as a, “legend of our pole vaulting world, getting back up no matter how many times this sport knocked you down.” The pole vaulting team also said Walsh was, “A natural born pole vaulter, technically one of the best we have ever had.”

English pole vaulter Molly Caudery also posted on Instagram when she found out about Walsh’s passing, writing, “Walshy we will miss you, but we will carry you with us always. RIP Ethan.”

Caudery’s post continued, with the world number four adding that this was, “The most heartbreaking news. [Walsh] Never failed to make everyone around you smile, will be missed by so many.”

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