A primary school in Wolverhampton was forced to close on Monday after a year seven pupil made a horrific discovery during a physical education lesson.
Traumatic Discovery in the Fog
An 11-year-old girl at Smestow Academy found the body of a man at the edge of the school's playing fields. The incident occurred at around 10am on Monday, January 19, 2026. The father of the pupil described how his daughter, who was among the first group to use the field that week, called her mother 'screaming' after making the grim discovery near the goal posts.
'She’s only 11 years of age. They went out for PE and it was very foggy this morning,' the shaken father said. 'It's left her really shaken up and we've come to take her out of school early. It's terrible what she's had to see.'
School Closure and Police Investigation
West Midlands Police were called to the scene on Windmill Crescent, Castlecroft, at approximately 10.40am. Emergency services, including two ambulances and a paramedic officer, attended but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. A police spokesperson confirmed that enquiries are underway to establish the man's identity and the circumstances surrounding his death.
In a statement, Smestow Academy said the closure was enacted 'under advice from the police' to allow their investigation to proceed. The school emphasised that the incident was 'unconnected with Smestow Academy' and confirmed it would reopen as usual on Tuesday.
Support for Affected Students
The school has moved to provide support for pupils traumatised by the event. A spokesperson said: 'There will be pupil assemblies throughout the morning to reassure them. If your child has been affected, they can speak with their Head of House who will be able to provide specialist support.'
One parent commented on social media that counselling had been offered to the students involved, stating: 'My nephew's class were the ones that found him. The school have offered counselling. Rest In Peace.'
Police are urging anyone with information to contact them via the live chat on the West Midlands Police website or by calling 101, quoting log number 1452 of January 19.
