The family of a man who was discovered deceased in a school playground has expressed their heartfelt tribute to their beloved son, brother, father, and friend.
Neil Thompson, also known as Chuck, was found on the premises of Smestow Academy in Wolverhampton on Monday morning. Authorities are currently treating his passing as unexplained.
In a statement, his grief-stricken family shared, “[Neil] touched the lives of many with his love for life and humorous anecdotes. Chuck, our cherished son, brother, father, and friend, was greatly admired within the fishing community, his passion. To aid us in finding closure, we appeal to anyone who may have information or sightings to come forward.”
The West Midlands Police have called on the public to provide any details if they had seen Chuck before his demise.
According to reports, “Mr. Thompson was spotted on Wheatsheaf Road, Wolverhampton, at 1 am on Monday and was later seen on the school grounds at 7:15 am. His family, receiving support from specialized officers during this tragic period, are encouraging individuals with information to contact the investigators as they continue their inquiries.”
He was last seen wearing a unique camouflage jacket, a grey gilet, jeans, and a beanie hat, while carrying a red rucksack and possibly wearing sunglasses.
Superintendent Martin Hurcomb of the police force mentioned, “Our teams are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident and are providing assistance to Mr. Thompson’s family. We are diligently working to piece together his movements, and we urge anyone who may have seen him in the early hours of Monday to come forward. Neighbourhood officers are also available in the area to provide support and reassurance to those with concerns.”
Smestow Academy remained closed on Monday and Tuesday but is set to reopen on Wednesday. A school representative confirmed that the incident was unrelated to the school and reassured that pupil assemblies would be held to comfort the students.
A concerned parent who witnessed the incident unfold recalled, “We were walking by when we noticed some commotion at the school. A teacher alerted others, mentioning a ‘major incident, member of the public found.’ We inquired about his condition, but it was uncertain. It was evident that he was not alive. The surroundings indicated he had just been discovered. It was unexpected for such a picturesque location.”
A spokesperson from the West Midlands Ambulance Service stated, “We received a call regarding a medical emergency in a field on Windmill Crescent, Castlecroft, Wolverhampton at 10:41 am today. Two ambulances and a paramedic officer arrived at the scene where, unfortunately, one man was pronounced deceased.”
Individuals with any relevant information are urged to reach out to the West Midlands Police on 101 or via Live Chat, quoting log 1452.
