A jet-skier who died after a “fatal medical incident” at sea had “lived a life filled with laughter, love and adventure”, his family said today.
Mathew White, known as Gobbo, 41, from Brighton, got into difficulty at sea while he was jet skiing off coast, near Rottingdean.
A Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeboat was launched at lunchtime on Friday 24 October and Mr White was brought ashore.
He was given medical treatment and taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, in Kemp Town, where he was pronounced dead. His next of kin were informed.
Mr White’s father said: “We are heartbroken at the passing of our beloved Mathew James White, aka Gobbo.
“He lived a life filled with laughter, love and adventure. He left a lasting memory on all those who knew him.
“Our family is devastated by this unimaginable loss and we ask for privacy as we grieve and try to come to terms with what has happened.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of love from friends and family.”
Mr White’s death is not being treated as suspicious by police.
The coroner had been informed.
