Pictured: Rower, 68, who died after boat capsized within the River Thames

A rower who died after his boat capsized in the River Thames last week has been named as Peter Lawson by his devastated family, who have paid tribute to him.

Mr Lawson was a rowing competition umpire, a singer and an ‘absolutely wonderful grandpa’, his family said today. 

The 68-year-old, whose body was found near a weir in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, yesterday, was a member of the Royal Choral Society and an experience rower.

Specialist teams had been searching for Mr Lawson for more than a week after he and five others in a rowing boat were thrown into the river when their vessel capsized.

A spokesman for Surrey Police said that the drowning was being investigated on behalf of the Surrey coroner, although it was not believed there were any suspicious circumstances.

A 68-year-old rower who died after his boat capsized in the River Thames last week has been named as Peter Lawson

Police officers stand near the scene where the boat capsized last week

Weybridge Rowing Club confirmed that it was one of their boats that ‘got into difficulty following an on-water incident’

‘The family of Peter Lawson, who died after a rowing boat capsized on the River Thames near Sunbury Lock, have paid tribute to him today,’ said the spokesman.

It a statement the family said: ‘On Friday, October 11, we lost our dear Peter, aged 68 years, in a tragic rowing incident near Sunbury Lock.

‘In life, he will be remembered fondly as a gentle and loving husband, a thoughtful and responsible brother, a kind and caring father and an absolutely wonderful grandpa.

‘We have been overwhelmed by the support and respect shown by the rowing community for him and his abilities, not just as an extremely experienced rower of many years but as a British Rowing Umpire.

‘His other passion in life was singing and he was a member of four choirs including The Royal Choral Society.

‘As we try to process our loss, we hope to be given the space and privacy to grieve as a family.’

The police spokesman added: ‘An investigation is underway to establish the circumstances of Peter’s death. However, it is not being treated as suspicious and has been referred to the coroner.’

Andy Jenkins, Chief Inspector for North Surrey, said ‘Our thoughts remain with Peter’s family during this unimaginably difficult time. 

‘We continue to offer them support and information as needed, and we ask that their privacy is respected while they come to terms with their loss.’