A KEEN Wellington RFC supporter died after drowning in a lake while on a fishing holiday, an inquest has been told.

Nicholas Keeble, 75, was a regular at the Athletic Ground, along with his wife Diane, where the couple would watch their son Ted who has played for the club from an early age.

While the coroner could not say for sure why Mr Keeble, who could not swim, ended up in the water, the inquest heard it was likely because his boat capsized after he attempted to retrieve his rod which had been pulled away by a large fish.

Mr Keeble was discovered by his wife Diane in a lake near Holsworthy in the afternoon of September 26, 2023, after he had departed in a rowing boat to fish by himself in the morning. She has now warned others of the dangers of fishing alone without a lifejacket or other aid.

In a statement issued at the time of his death, a spokesperson for the rugby club said: “Nick was the father of Ted Keeble who first played for WRFC when very young in the Minis and Juniors before stepping up to play senior rugby. Ted retired through injury when Dave Simms, who has also sadly passed away, was coach.

“Nick, along with his wife, watched all of Ted’s games and they both continued to watch WRFC long after Ted stopped playing - they were at every home match last season.”

The club held a minute’s silence and flew its flag at half mast to mark the tragedy.