Staughton College in Melton is mourning the death of teacher Christopher Onourah.
The 30-year-old Nigerian national was found unresponsive in the water at Rye by a jet ski rider just before 5.30pm on January 3.
Emergency services were called, and he was brought to the shore to administer CPR, but he died at the scene.
Mr Onourah was said to have been surfing with friends when he slipped off the board and his friends did not notice.
He had been a teacher at Staughton College for six months.
Staughton College principal Alan Devine said Mr Onourah’s death was a profound loss for the school community.
“Since joining Staughton College last year, he formed strong connections with both students and staff, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed,“ he said.
A fundraiser has been started to assist with the repatriation process to Nigeria, including flights and legal requirements, and to help cover funeral and memorial expenses.
The fundraiser has now reached almost half of its goal of $14,999.
Emmanuel Ado, the organiser of the fundraiser, described Mr Onourah as a beacon of light to all who knew him.
He said Mr Onourah was kind-hearted, full of life, and deeply loved by his family and friends.
Faith Macale
