A 45-year-old man was discovered deceased on the grounds of Smestow Academy in Wolverhampton by schoolchildren on the morning of January 19, 2026, shortly before their PE class. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 10:41 am, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. West Midlands Police have confirmed the man was found with injuries, and his death is currently being treated as unexplained.
Investigators have been working to establish the man's last known movements. He was reportedly seen in Wheatsheaf Road, Wolverhampton, around 1 am, approximately three-and-a-half miles from the school, and then sighted on the school grounds at 7:15 am. Police are reviewing CCTV footage from the area and are appealing for information from the public regarding any sightings of the man between 1 am and 7:15 am. The man was described as wearing a camouflage jacket, grey gilet, jeans, and a beanie hat, and was carrying a red rucksack. Specialist detectives are supporting the man's loved ones. Additional police officers will be present in the area to provide reassurance to the community.