An 11-year-old pupil at Smestow Academy found a 45-year-old man with injuries on the school's sports field during a foggy PE lesson on Jan. 19. West Midlands Police confirmed the man was pronounced dead at the scene and said his death is being treated as unexplained while CCTV and witness enquiries continue. Officers reported the man was seen earlier on Wheatsheaf Road at about 1:00 a.m. and later at the school at 7:15 a.m., and released a clothing description to aid identification. The school closed at police request, reopened the next day, and is offering support to affected pupils and families.
11-Year-Old Discovers Man's Body on Smestow Academy Field During PE; Police Treat Death as Unexplained
British News and Media/Alamy Live NewsPolice at Smestow Academy, Castlecroft, Wolverhampton in England on Jan. 19. 2026
An 11-year-old pupil at Smestow Academy in Wolverhampton is recovering after discovering a man's body on the school's sports field during a foggy physical education lesson on Monday, Jan. 19.
West Midlands Police confirmed in a statement that a 45-year-old man was found with injuries on the school grounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said they are supporting the man's family but have not released his identity.
British News and Media/Alamy Live NewsPolice at Smestow Academy in the Castlecroft area of Wolverhampton on Jan. 19, 2026
The father of an 11-year-old told The Telegraph his daughter was 'really shaken up' after finding the body by the goal posts during PE. 'My daughter phoned her mum, screaming, and told her that she found a dead body by the goal posts on the field,' he said. 'She’s only 11 years of age... It’s terrible what she’s had to see.' The school later allowed the girl's family to collect her early.
Police Appeal and Evidence Review
Police said the man was seen on Wheatsheaf Road at about 1:00 a.m. and was later sighted on the school grounds at 7:15 a.m. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and following up on witness inquiries. In their release, officers described the man as wearing a distinctive camouflage jacket, a grey gilet, jeans and a beanie hat; he was carrying a red rucksack and may have been wearing sunglasses.
British News and Media/Alamy Live NewsPolice tape on the field at Smestow Academy in Wolverhampton on Jan. 19, 2026
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Poole, Homicide Unit: 'We are in the early stages of our investigation, and I would ask that people do not speculate on the circumstances. We know this has caused concern in the community and there will be extra officers in the area for reassurance. Anyone who may have seen the victim in the early hours of this morning is urged to get in touch with us.'
School Response and Support for Pupils
Smestow Academy posted on Facebook that the incident was 'unconnected with Smestow Academy' and that police asked the school to close while officers worked at the scene. The academy confirmed it received the all-clear to reopen the following day and arranged assemblies and pastoral support for pupils. 'If your child has been affected, they can speak with their Head of House who will be able to provide specialist support,' the school said.
West Midlands Police continue to treat the death as unexplained while inquiries continue. Anyone with information or who may have seen the man in the early hours is asked to contact police. PEOPLE has contacted West Midlands Police and Smestow Academy for further comment.
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