Concertmaster drowned in shallow end, inquest finds

Concertmaster drowned in shallow end, inquest finds

Orchestras

norman lebrecht

February 20, 2024

Dominic Hopkins, 57, leader of the Norwich Philharmonic from 2008 to 2016, was swimming at the University of East Anglia on January 27 2022 when he suffered difficulties.

He lay in the shallow end of the pool for six and a half minutes before being spotted by three lifeguards, an inquest was told today.

Comments

  • Simon Scott says:

    He suffered from Marfan’s Syndrome which I am sure was no asset to him

    • Fiona says:

      A life long close friend of mine. He didn’t ‘ suffer’ with Marfans . He inherited it but it had absolutely nothing to do with his drowning !
      He swam every day was very healthy. A tragic loss to me and all of his friends . He should still be here today!! We miss him every day . He was a wonderful man – insanely talented violinist and academic . He was also a father figure to my children. Interesting and caring . Note the UEA pool immediately changed the equipment they used after he drowned and died .

      • norman lebrecht says:

        I am so sorry for your loss. NL

      • Edward R Strelow says:

        Why are you quibbling over the term suffer?

      • Gus says:

        Marfan syndrome can cause serious heart problems, which can be fatal

        Why do you think that Marfan’s did not contribute to his drowning?

        As a keen swimmer myself most of us take it up as a last resort when injuries and age mean we have to abandon all other sports.
        I am appalled that no-one noticed he was in difficulties for over six minutes, was he swimming alone in the pool? Swimming is safe.

        I am sorry for your loss.

  • Fiona says:

    Edward – not quibbling but stating . These things can get misconstrued and assumptions are then made . It is very important to understand that the reason for death was by drowning. 3 lifeguards failed to notice for 7 minutes !! The cause of his death was drowning
    . Dominic lived well with marfans his entire life and it didn’t affect his swimming but strengthened his health all round . I hope that helps you to understand the importance of my comment .

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