At a Glance
- An 11-year-old girl discovered a dead man on her school field during P.E. class on Jan. 19, 2026.
- The 45-year-old man was pronounced dead at 7:15 a.m. on the grounds of Smestow Academy in Wolverhampton, England.
- The school closed for the day while police reviewed surveillance and urged witnesses to come forward.
- Why it matters: The traumatic discovery has sparked community concern and raised questions about campus security and student welfare.
An 11-year-old student at Smestow Academy is recovering after she stumbled upon a dead body while walking to her physical education class Monday morning.
West Midlands Police confirmed in a release that officers found a 45-year-old man with injuries on the Castlecroft school grounds at approximately 7:15 a.m. on January 19, 2026. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
While police did not officially identify who discovered the body, the girl’s father told The Telegraph that his daughter phoned her mother in hysterics. “She’s only 11 years of age,” he said. “They went out for PE and it was very foggy this morning. My daughter phoned her mom up, screaming, and told her that she found a dead body by the goal posts on the field.”
The father added that the incident left the child “really shaken up,” prompting the family to collect her from school early. “It’s terrible what she’s had to see,” he said.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have classified the death as unexplained and are appealing for witnesses. Surveillance footage from the area is under review.
According to the police timeline:
- 1:00 a.m. – The victim was last seen on Wheatsheaf Road, Wolverhampton.
- 7:15 a.m. – He was discovered on school grounds wearing a distinctive camouflage jacket, grey gilet, jeans, beanie hat, and carrying a red rucksack; he may have been wearing sunglasses.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Poole of the Homicide Unit urged the public not to speculate. “We are in the early stages of our investigation,” he said. “Anyone who may have seen the victim in the early hours of this morning is urged to get in touch with us.”
Extra officers were deployed around the academy to reassure residents. Police also stated they are supporting the deceased man’s family but have not released his identity.
Campus Response
Following police guidance, Smestow Academy immediately closed to students. In a Facebook statement, administrators wrote: “Police told us to close school today because of an incident unconnected with Smestow Academy. Police asked us to close so they could make headway with their investigation.”
The school confirmed it received clearance to reopen Tuesday and will hold assemblies throughout the morning “to reassure” pupils. “If your child has been affected, they can speak with their Head of House who will be able to provide specialist support,” the statement added.
Ethan R. Coleman reported for News Of Los Angeles that both West Midlands Police and Smestow Academy had been contacted for further comment.
Key Takeaways
- A man was found dead on school property during foggy morning conditions.
- The 11-year-old student who found him is receiving family and potentially school-based support.
- Police are treating the death as unexplained and have released a detailed description to encourage witnesses.
- Classes resume Tuesday with additional pastoral care provided to students.
