Mystery after ‘talented’ boxer, 22, found dead in a ditch

Jack Ayres whose body was recovered from water. Release date ? March 13, 2025. Police are appealing for help after the body of a 22-year-old was recovered from water. Officers say Jack Ayres was found in a rhyne at about 1.45pm on Monday March 3 close to Sharpham Drove in Street, Somerset. A post-mortem examination has been carried out and the preliminary cause of Jack?s death has been recorded as drowning. The examination found no sign of any physical injuries. Avon and Somerset Police have spoken with Jack?s family to understand his movements in the hours leading up to his death.
Jack Ayres, 22, was found in a rhyne in Somerset almost two weeks ago (Picture: SWNS)

An appeal has been launched after a 22-year-old man was found dead in a body of water in Somerset.

Jack Ayres was last seen alive walking along Sharpham Drove, a country road near Glastonbury, at around 2.30am on March 3.

A passer-by discovered his body less than 12 hours later in a rhyne, which is a type of drainage ditch used in marshy areas.

It showed no sign of physical injuries, and drowning has been determined as the preliminary cause of death.

Detectives say Jack’s death is ‘most likely’ not suspicious but are carrying out further inquiries following a request from the coroner.

Tributes have poured in for the victim, who was described as a ‘talented’ amateur boxer.

Jack’s family said in a statement: ‘Nothing can put into words how we are all feeling right now. Jack was a much-loved son, grandson, brother, cousin, nephew and boyfriend.

‘We know that nothing will bring Jack back, but we just want to try and understand the lead up to his passing.’

Pyramid Boxing Club said: ‘It is with great sadness that Pyramid Boxing Club has lost one of our young talented boxers.

Jack was a ‘friend, a family man and a true warrior’ and he will ‘never know how much we will miss him’, the club added.

Avalon Boxing Club joined in issuing tributes, saying: ‘Jack joined us when he was 11 years old and trained and boxed for the club for over 6 years.

‘We have many fond memories of Jack, who was a great boxer and a lovely lad. Our condolences go out to Jack’s family.’

A man who boxed with Jack posted on social media: ‘Condolences to his family and friends, was an honour to share the ring with Jack twice, rest easy champ’.

Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for any witnesses, drivers with dashcam footage or nearby residents with CCTV footage to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Clement Goodwin said: “Our thoughts are first and foremost with Jack’s devastated family.

‘We want to do all we can to provide them with as many answers as possible about what happened to their son in the moments leading up to his death.

‘Any information would be gratefully received as it may be able to help us provide Jack’s family with greater clarity around what happened.’

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