Sheehan represented the University of London Boat Club at the Championships and claimed a bronze medal in the women’s four event.

According to the Daily Mail, she fell during celebrations with her team-mates on Sunday (September 4), suffering a broken arm and a fractured skull.

Having been in a coma following the incident, Sheehan’s death was confirmed on Friday (September 9).

“Ailish, a postgraduate student at Goldsmiths, University of London representing the University of London Boat Club, was involved in an accident after the culmination of the 2016 FISU World University Championships for Rowing in Poznan, Poland on Sunday evening, 4th September,” said Vince Mayne, chief executive of British Universities & Colleges Sport.

“Ailish had been competing in the women’s four (W4-) at the Championships, where she won a bronze medal.

“BUCS, British Rowing and Rowing Ireland are providing support to her family during this difficult time and ask for their privacy to be respected.

“On behalf of everyone at BUCS, I wish to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Ailish and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”

Ailish joined the University of London Boat Club at the start of the 2015 to 2016 academic year, coming from Notre Dame University in the United States, where she had been a member of their first Varsity eight.

She won a gold medal at the British Universities Championship in the women’s coxed four, senior fours at the Henley women’s regatta and a bronze medal at the World University Championships.

“The whole club is devastated by this news,” said Phil Gray, club chief coach.

“Not only was Ailish a top oarswoman with a significant future in the international side of the sport but she also lit up the club with her humour and laughter.

“She was a great example to younger members and starting next year without her is hard to imagine at the moment especially as she had been elected vice captain.

“But our main thoughts are with Ailish’s family who obviously meant so much to her.”