Police Appeal for Information After Man Found Dead in Wolverhampton School Grounds
West Midlands Police have launched an investigation into the unexplained death of a man whose body was discovered on the grounds of Smestow Academy in Wolverhampton. The deceased has been identified as Neil Thompson, affectionately known as Chuck, a 47-year-old local resident with a passion for fishing.
Tragic Discovery at School Playground
The grim discovery was made on Monday morning when school staff noticed an unresponsive individual in the playground area. Emergency services were immediately alerted, with West Midlands Ambulance Service dispatching two ambulances and a paramedic officer to the scene on Windmill Crescent, Castlecroft. Despite their efforts, Mr Thompson was pronounced deceased at the location.
One concerned parent who witnessed the early stages of the incident described the scene: "We were walking slowly and noticed something happening at the school. One of the teachers radioed, saying 'major incident, member of the public found.' When I got there, it looked as if he'd just been discovered. It's a really scenic spot - not what you'd expect."
Distinctive Clothing and Final Movements
Investigators have released details about Mr Thompson's appearance in hopes that members of the public might recall seeing him. He was last seen wearing:
- A distinctive camouflage jacket
- A grey gilet
- Jeans
- A beanie hat
- Possibly sunglasses
He was also carrying a red rucksack at the time. Police have established that Mr Thompson was seen on Wheatsheaf Road, Wolverhampton, at approximately 1am on Monday morning, before being sighted on the school grounds around 7.15am the same day.
Family's Heartbreaking Tribute
Mr Thompson's devastated family have paid emotional tribute to their "beautiful son, brother, father and friend." In a statement released through police, they said: "Neil's love for life and funny stories touched the lives of so many people. Our beautiful son, brother, father and friend Chuck was very much loved in the fishing community - his one true passion. To help us find closure as a family, we urge anyone with any information or sightings to please get in touch."
Specialist family liaison officers are supporting the Thompson family during what Superintendent Martin Hurcomb described as "this devastating time."
School Response and Community Impact
Smestow Academy took the decision to close on both Monday and Tuesday following the discovery, with plans to reopen on Wednesday. A school spokesperson confirmed: "The incident was not connected to the school. There will be pupil assemblies throughout the morning to reassure them."
Superintendent Hurcomb emphasised the ongoing police efforts: "Our teams are continuing to investigate the circumstances around this tragic incident. Enquiries are moving ahead as investigators work to piece together Mr Thompson's movements. We'd ask again that anyone who may have seen him in the early hours of yesterday does get in touch. Neighbourhood officers are also out in the area, so please do speak with them as they can offer reassurance to anyone who has concerns."
Appeal for Public Assistance
West Midlands Police are urging anyone with information about Mr Thompson's movements or who might have seen him wearing the distinctive camouflage jacket to come forward. Investigators are particularly interested in sightings between 1am and 7.15am on Monday morning.
The police have confirmed they are treating the death as unexplained while investigations continue. No further details about potential causes have been released at this stage.
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on 101, quoting log number 1452, or use the Live Chat function on their website.
