The wife of an England rugby icon is presumed dead after disappearing during a rough swimming session. Jennifer Hastings, 60, a mother of two, was reported missing after she entered Wardie Bay, Edinburgh, Scotland, on Tuesday, September 3.
Her husband, renowned Scottish rugby star Scott Hastings, released a statement announcing her disappearance earlier this week, which sparked a search that has now been called off.
The RNLI, police and helicopters were all involved in an extensive coastal search before the coastguard withdrew just before 8pm on Tuesday.
In a family statement, the mother added that she had “struggled with mental health issues” for “many years” and that “her disappearance has left a huge hole in all of our hearts”.
The full statement reads: “As many of you know, Jenny has struggled with mental health issues for many years and ultimately was unable to cope at this time.
“It seemed as though she wanted to end her suffering in a place that was regular and healing for her. She loved the water, but unfortunately her mind was not in a safe place. The Hastings family was completely heartbroken.
“We miss Jenny so much. She leaves a huge hole in all of our hearts and we hope she returns safely to us so we can celebrate her amazing life.”
Police confirmed Wednesday that they are continuing to search for Jenny, despite finding no trace of the missing 60-year-old. She was previously reported missing for 36 hours before being found 10 miles from her home in 2017. At the time, she had no phone or means of contacting her family.
Her husband Scott is a rugby player, having won 65 caps for Scotland and twice played as an outside centre for the British and Irish Lions. The couple have long campaigned to help people struggling with mental health issues and are both ambassadors for Support in Mind Scotland.
