At a Glance
- An 11-year-old student found Neil Thompson’s body during P.E. at Smestow Academy on January 19.
- Thompson, 45, had injuries; police treat the death as unexplained.
- He was last seen six hours earlier on Wheatsheaf Road wearing camouflage and carrying a red rucksack.
- Why it matters: The incident has shaken pupils and parents, prompting extra patrols and a public plea for witnesses.
A routine Monday morning turned traumatic for an 11-year-old girl who discovered a body on her school sports field in Wolverhampton, England. Police have since identified the man as Neil Thompson, 45, known to loved ones as “Chuck.”
Discovery During Morning P.E.
The child was taking part in a physical-education lesson at Smestow Academy shortly after 7:15 a.m. Visibility was poor because of thick fog. Her father told News Of Los Angeles that his daughter phoned home screaming: “She told her mom that she found a dead body by the goal posts on the field.”
Key details:
- The girl is 11 years old.
- The class had just walked onto the pitch for warm-ups.
- Staff immediately removed pupils from the area.
- The father collected his daughter before lunchtime because “it’s terrible what she’s had to see.”
Police Timeline and Appeal
West Midlands Police released two statements outlining what is known so far:
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 1 a.m., Jan. 19 | Thompson last spotted on Wheatsheaf Road wearing a camouflage jacket, grey gilet, jeans, beanie, and possibly sunglasses. He carried a red rucksack. |
| 7:15 a.m., Jan. 19 | Body discovered on academy grounds. |
| Jan. 20 | Police formally identify Thompson and launch unexplained-death inquiry. |
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Poole urged anyone who saw Thompson in the early hours to come forward. Investigators are reviewing CCTV and conducting door-to-door enquiries.
Family Tribute
Relatives paid emotional tribute through the force:
> “Our beautiful son, brother, father and friend Chuck, very much loved in the community of fishing, his one true love. His love for life and funny stories touched the lives of so many people. To help us find closure as a family we urge anyone with any information or sightings to please get in touch.”
School and Community Response
Smestow Academy has not commented publicly, but neighbourhood officers are patrolling the area to reassure residents. Supt Martin Hurcomb confirmed specialist officers are supporting Thompson’s family and reiterated the appeal for witnesses.
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police quoting log 529 of January 19.
