29-Year-Old British Kayaker Bren Orton Found Dead in Swiss Lake
02.06.2024: The kayaking community is mourning the loss of Bren Orton, a 29-year-old British kayaker and social media influencer. Orton, who made headlines in 2018 for setting a world record by plunging 128 feet down Big Banana Falls in Mexico, was found dead in Lake Maggiore, Switzerland.
Missing for Two Weeks
Orton went missing two weeks ago while kayaking on the Melezza River in the Ticino region of Switzerland. He was reportedly pulled under by recirculating waves and did not resurface. The search for Orton concluded when a sailor discovered his body in Lake Maggiore and alerted the emergency services.
Tribute from Pyranha Kayak
Pyranha Kayak, Orton’s sponsor, expressed their sorrow in a heartfelt statement: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that our friend and ambassador Bren Orton is no longer with us. Bren’s body was recovered yesterday in Lago Maggiore, Italy, following a tragic accident on the nearby river Melezza on May 16.”
Swiss Police Statement
A Swiss police spokesperson provided details of the discovery: “Shortly before 1 pm in Locarno, the lifeless body of the man who disappeared on 16 May while kayaking in the Melezza was found in the waters of Lake Maggiore. The alarm was triggered by a sailor who found the body in the water and immediately notified the emergency services.”
A Passionate Kayaker and Influencer
Orton’s love for kayaking began at the age of nine during a school trip. He documented his kayaking adventures and travels on Instagram, where he gained over 58,000 followers. His bio reflected his passion: “Trying never to grow up and kayak forever.”
In a 2020 interview, Orton described kayaking as a sport that “challenges you on so many levels, provides access to some of the nicest people on the planet and takes a kid from Warrington to Africa in pursuit of the best rapids.”
Remembered by the Community
Following the announcement of his passing, tributes poured in from around the world. Former world kayaking champion James Reeves shared his grief on Facebook: “Every few years we seem to lose a friend to our sport. Each loss is tough, and this one cuts deep. Bren Orton was an incredible human. From his teenage years, his warm smile and friendly nature shone as brightly as his kayaking skills … I was privileged to briefly mentor Bren in his early years. Then I watched in awe as he became one of the greatest whitewater kayakers ever.”
Bren Orton’s legacy will live on through his incredible achievements and the countless lives he touched through his passion for kayaking.