Jack Ayres, a 22-year-old boxer from Somerset, England, was found dead in a river on March 3, 2025, less than 12 hours after he was last seen. His body was discovered near Sharpham Drove by a member of the public around 1:45 p.m.
Ayres was last observed walking along Sharpham Drove at approximately 2:30 a.m. that morning. A post-mortem examination determined that the preliminary cause of death was drowning, and there were no signs of physical injuries. Avon and Somerset Police are treating the death as unexplained but likely non-suspicious. Detective Chief Inspector Clement Goodwin has appealed to motorists who were in the area during the early hours of March 3 to check their dashcam footage for any information that might assist the investigation.
Ayres’ family expressed their profound grief, stating, “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, where Ayres trained, paid tribute to him as a talented boxer and a cherished friend. They described him as a “true warrior” and expressed how deeply he would be missed by all who knew him.
Detective Chief Inspector Goodwin extended condolences to Ayres’ family and emphasized the commitment of the police to uncover the circumstances surrounding his death. He noted that while the lack of physical injuries suggests non-suspicious circumstances, the investigation is ongoing to provide clarity for the family.
The community has been deeply affected by Ayres’ untimely death, with tributes pouring in from friends, fellow boxers, and community members. Many have shared memories of his vibrant personality and promising future in the sport. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to help piece together the events leading up to that fateful night.
