Water skier dies at hospital in Sydney - NEWS.com.au

A WORLD champion water skier has died after a fall during a high speed river race in Sydney's north.

Champion waterskier, Sarah Teelow, came off her ski on the Hawkesbury River in the opening moments of the Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Classic on Sunday morning.

The 20-year-old sustained serious spinal and head injuries and was airlifted to the Royal North Shore Hospital.

Her parents rushed to her bedside.

Ski Racing Australia confirmed the Women's World Formula Two champion died on Monday night.

"The ski racing fraternity is deeply saddened by Sarah's passing and extends its condolences to her family," Ski Racing Australia said in a statement.

NSW Police are investigating how Ms Teelow fell off her ski at high speed, including reports she hit wake created by another boat.

Kuring-Gai Local Area Command Inspector David Hogg says police are looking at every possibility.

"We are making inquiries with the driver of the boat and witnesses to the incident," he told AAP.

Insp Hogg urged anyone who may have been filming the race and captured the fall to come forward.

A NSW Roads and Maritime Services spokeswoman says RMS is also assisting police with the investigation.

Ski Racing Australia stated on Sunday it didn't know what caused the accident.

Chairman Rick Love said the conditions were good and sea was slight at the time.

Ski Racing Australia did not return calls on Monday.

Ms Teelow's mother, Tania, is also a champion waterskier, and the co-owner of Teelow Pools in Dubbo.

According to the University of Technology Sydney website, Ms Teelow, a bachelor of human movement student, is part of an elite athlete scholarship program.