A schoolboy who went missing on a geography field trip has been found dead at the foot of a cliff, near Milford Havern, Pembrokeshire.
Police made the heartbreaking find after searching cliffs near the remote Dale Fort study centre (pictured), which is visited by thousands of students each year and is owned by the Field Studies Council, one of the UK's leading environmental studies organisations, specialising in school trips. Mr Dear had gone missing prior ot the evening meal and his absence was spotted by staff.
Police confirmed a body was found at Dale Point in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, at 1am on Friday 18 March 2016 following an 'extensive search'. They said 'family members have been informed' and are 'being supported by Dyfed-Powys officers'.
A Dyfed Powys spokesman said: "Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death and would appeal for anyone who was in the Dale area late yesterday [Thursday] evening, and may have information which could help the investigation, to contact Haverfordwest Police on 101.”
Paddy was a pupil and 'keen sportsman' at Campion School, a Catholic science academy in Hornchurch, Essex. Headteacher Keith Williams informed students and parents of the student's tragic death, telling them: "I am emailing to inform you of the tragic death of one of our Year 12 students, Paddy Dear who was on the Geography field trip to West Wales. Your son/daughter has been told of his death at assembly this morning following confirmation provided by the police. As you can imagine, this has had a devastating effect upon the school community."
In a separate statement, Mr Williams added: “Paddy was a wonderful young man who was fully involved in the life of the school. As a keen sportsman, he was very proud of representing the school in a range of sports but most notably rugby. He was a popular, very friendly and caring young man who had the whole world ahead of him. Nobody had a bad word to say about him and he never had a bad word for anyone else.
“His team members remember him as a talented, all round sportsman, loved by all who got to know him, fantastic company and the life and soul of any party. He was a typical Campion student who gave everything he could to the school community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends who have been devastated by this news.
Mr Williams also confirmed that, “the school is offering support to his friends through counselling and guidance from staff and priests who are with us today."
Friends of the Campion School pupil also paid tribute to Paddy and a special Mass for the Sixth Form was held at 11.30am on the same day to remember Paddy and to pray for his family and friends.
The police investigation into the circumstances surrounding Paddy's death continues. A statement on the Field Studies Council website reads: "Our deepest sympathies are extended to the family and friends of Paddy Dear at this terribly sad time... We are assisting the Police and other authorities with investigations into this tragedy."
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