Nick Hobson, a Man Well Love and Well Respected Passes Away After Successful Cook Strait Crossing
Corrina Connor, a member of the the Wellington Ocean Swimmers, posted very sad news on the group’s Facebook page, “It is with great regret and huge sadness we need to share the news that our friend Nick Hobson passed away last night following his swim across the Cook Strait. His crew, and the rescue helicopter, made every effort to resuscitate him, but they were unsuccessful. There is very little else to say at this stage, as the shock and sadness hit us. Nick had been a member of our community for a few months, but was a huge part of it. Our thoughts are with Nick’s wife and children. This will be a huge shock to us all, and difficult news to deal with. Please take the day carefully as we hold Nick and his family in our thoughts.
The British Octopush Association posted a similar notification on its Facebook page, “It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of one of our former members: Nick Hobson.
Nick completed an incredible swim across the Cook Strait in New Zealand, and sadly died shortly afterwards. His crew and emergency services attempted every effort to resuscitate him.
Nick was part of the 2006 Sheffield World Championships organising committee and had ties to Guildford and Southsea UWH clubs before emigrating to New Zealand. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time. His loss will be felt across both hemispheres.”
Swim IrishKiwi and hundreds of others who knew Hobson also shared their heartfelt condolences online, “Nick had been a member of our community for a few months, but was a huge part of it. Our thoughts are with Nick’s wife and children.“
Hobson had completed the 23 km crossing of the Cook Strait under 10 hours 30 minutes before passing away in Mana.
Photo below shows Epic Swim 2020 relay members including Hobson (with the Orca wetsuit below), Jon Ornée, Dave Ornée, Jeremy Sall, Matt Smith, and Todd Suttor who completed a 91.3 km mid-lake crossing of Lake Michigan from Two Rivers in Wisconsin to Big Sable Point in Michigan, in August 2020 after 20 hours 50 minutes.
Copyright © 2008 – 2022 by World Open Water Swimming Association
