Fiancé and coach of NZ athlete Andrea Hewitt dies

Laurent Vidaland Andrea Hewitt. Photo / Greg Bowker

The fiancé and coach of New Zealand triathlete Andrea Hewitt has died, aged 31.

The French Olympian, Laurent Vidal, passed away in his sleep overnight in France. Hewitt, 33, was with her partner at the time and is now with his family in France.

Triathlon NZ said there was "little information at this early stage" but Vidal suffered a heart attack last year while swimming in France, bringing to an end his competitive career and leading him into fulltime coaching.

Vidal was coach to Hewitt as well as coach to a number of leading French athletes racing on the International Triathlon Union circuit. He also had close ties to the Triathlon New Zealand High Performance Programme.

Former New Zealand athlete James Elvery was close to Vidal, with the Frenchman serving as his best man at his wedding in July this year.

"We are all just shattered, this is just awful news," he said.

"I have spoken to Andrea and she is in a state of shock right now trying to come to terms with what has happened, we all are. She is with Laurent's family and they are supporting each other in this time of grief. Laurent was always so positive. A real inspiration to me and to so many people around the world."

Triathlon NZ said: "The thoughts of the entire NZ Triathlon community are with Andrea and Laurent's family at this difficult time as privacy is requested during this time of grieving".

Vidal competed in the triathlon at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and placed fifth in the 2012 London Olympics.

He spent his life between Sète in southern France and Christchurch, the hometown of Hewitt.

In April last year, Vidal went into cardiac arrest following a training swim at a pool in Sete, according to French media reports. He experienced chest pain while swimming and left the water to seek help from employees at the pool. He was airlifted to a hospital in nearby Montpellier, where he was placed in an induced coma for at least 48 hours.
Tributes are flowing for the Frenchman.

Kiwi triathlete Terenzo Bozzone said: "Can't believe this. Thoughts and prayers with @andreahewittnz and the family of Laurent Vidal. You will be missed man. Rest easy."

Can't believe this. Thoughts and prayers with @andreahewittnz and the family of Laurent Vidal. You will be missed man. Rest easy.

— Terenzo Bozzone (@terenzo1) November 10, 2015

Aileen Reid, a triathlete from Northern Ireland, said: "Loss of a good man. RIP Laurent Vidal. Thoughts with @andreahewittnz & family."

Kiwi triathlete Kris Gemmell said: "'I'm lost I'm hurt but blessed u were in my life we had so much planned I will keep our dream alive @laurentvidal xo".

I'm lost I'm hurt but blessed u were in my life we had so much planned I will keep our dream alive @laurentvidal xo pic.twitter.com/uo6G2YwASr

— Kris Gemmell (@KrisGemmell_) November 10, 2015

And eleven-time Ironman champion Cameron Brown tweeted: "So sad to hear the news of Laurent Vidal passing away, thoughts and prayers to @andreahewittnz and family."

Olympian and triathlete Ryan Sissons tweeted: "Life is not fair sometimes. Love you bro."

Life is not fair sometimes. Love you bro. pic.twitter.com/ucnysdXnAV

— Ryan Sissons (@ryansissons) November 10, 2015

Tributes can be left on the Triathlon New Zealand Facebook page.