Tragic Death of Kevin Whyman (OKS 1994)

 

 

Former teachers and classmates at The King's School have expressed their shock and immense sadness at the tragic death of 1994 leaver Kevin Whyman. Kevin died when his display plane crashed whilst performing a stunt at a festival in Cheshire.

Kevin made a huge impact during his time at King's, not only academically (he went on to read Economics at Cambridge) but in rowing too. He helped King's make rowing history by winning a gold medal at the National Schools' Regatta in 1993, when he steered King's to victory in the coxed fours. His notable contribution to GB rowing during this period continued, as he participated in the Junior World Rowing Championships in Arungen, Norway. At Cambridge, Kevin coxed two successful Cambridge Boat crews to victory in 1996 and 1997.

Kevin, who became a fast jet pilot in the RAF after leaving school, changed career in 2002 to marketing bonds for a city firm, living in London with his wife and young daughter. He returned to King's last year for a 1994 leavers' Reunion and was honoured in December 2014 by having a boat named after him at The King's School Rowing Club's Annual Pudding Races- an honour reserved only for those deemed to have made a significant contribution to both the Club and rowing in general.

His former History Master, Kevin Fear, commented, "Kevin was a really lovely lad, who was very popular at school." This sentiment was echoed by Headmaster, Chris Ramsey, who said, "All staff who knew Kevin are deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic event. We offer our sincere condolences from everyone at King's to his wife, parents, family and friends at this awful time."

We will share details of the arrangements for Kevin's Funeral when we receive them.