The family of former rugby star Scott Hastings have said they are “absolutely heartbroken” after his wife, Jenny Hastings, went missing following a swim.
Ms Hastings failed to return after going swimming in Wardie Bay in Edinburgh on Tuesday, they said, adding that Jenny had “struggled with her mental health for a number of years”.
The family said in a statement: “It’s with huge sadness that we write to advise you that Jenny went for a swim in the Firth of Forth on the afternoon of Tuesday 3 September 2024, and that the incident is being treated by the police as a high risk missing person case.”
It continued: “The Hastings family are absolutely heartbroken.
“Jenny and Scott have a huge following of friends from all walks of life including those that work in the media and we ask that at this moment in time we are allowed to grieve privately with family members.”
“For the time being we request that you hold off from messaging us directly and/or posting on any social media until further news.
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“We know that you all care for us deeply and as soon as we hear any update from the police we will advise you accordingly.
“We miss our Jenny. She leaves a gaping hole in all our hearts and hope that she is returned to us safely so that we can celebrate her remarkable life”.
The statement is signed “Scott, Corey, Daniel, Kerry-Anne & Ian”.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said they received a “report of concern” at about 2.45pm, and a helicopter, coastguard rescue teams, lifeboats and other nearby vessels took part in a search.
But the search failed to find anything, and was called off at 8.20pm that evening, the agency said.
Hastings, 59, a former Scottish international, won 65 full caps at centre from 1986 to 1997 and is the younger brother of former Scotland captain Gavin Hastings.
He later moved into broadcasting and worked for both Sky Sports and ITV.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
