Olympic rower Tim Willoughby has died following a heart attack on a flight from the USA to Singapore.

Married with four children, 53 year old Willoughby from Perth was President of the Western Australian Olympic Council (WAOC).

He was heading home to Perth from a family holiday when he suffered the fatal heart attack on the plane. He was traveling with his daughter, who is a doctor, and her husband.

Willoughby was a member of the Australian men's eight which won a bronze medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. He also represented his country at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games.

Willoughby was widely regarded as one of the strongest men in international rowing but also reached the elite level in Sailing. He crewed for Kookaburra as a sewerman in the Defender Challenge for the America’s Cup in 1986/87.

He remained in Perth after the America's Cup and coached the WA King's Cup in 1990 and 1992 and many club crews.

He competed in E22 Etchels racing at National Titles and World Championships from 1987.

AOC