A 92-year-old man, William Morris Jones, tragically passed away after becoming stuck in the mud during his regular afternoon walk in Criccieth, North Wales.
The incident occurred just days after Christmas, when Mr. Jones, a retired groundsman, set out on his usual route.
His body was discovered more than 24 hours later in an incredibly boggy field, leading to an inquest into his death.
The Start of a Routine Walk Turned Tragic
On the afternoon of December 28, 2024, William Morris Jones left his home for a walk around his hometown.
Known for taking the same route regularly, he was last seen near Mynydd Ednyfed Country House on Caernarfon Road around 2:15 p.m.
Hours passed, and when he didn’t return, he was reported missing to the local police.
Despite appeals for information circulating on social media, Mr. Jones’s whereabouts remained unknown.
Discovery of Mr. Jones’s Body
It wasn’t until the following day that authorities discovered his body.
After a painstaking search, he was found in a nearby field that was described as “incredibly boggy” and waterlogged.
The conditions were difficult, and it appears that while crossing the field, Mr. Jones became stuck in the mud. Tragically, he was unable to free himself.
Cause of Death and Inquest Findings
An inquest into Mr. Jones’s death was held this week in Caernarfon, North Wales.
Assistant Coroner Sarah Riley stated that Mr. Jones’s body was found in the field on December 29, and the official time of death was confirmed at 6:04 p.m. on that day.
According to the coroner, the conditions of the field were particularly difficult to navigate.
An autopsy identified tentative causes of death as bronchopneumonia and hypothermia, likely exacerbated by his inability to escape from the mud.
The inquest has been adjourned while further investigations are carried out to determine the full details surrounding the tragedy.
The Community’s Loss
William Morris Jones was a well-known figure in the community, and his sudden passing has left residents of Criccieth devastated.
His regular walks had become a fixture in the area, and his tragic end serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk in even the most familiar surroundings.
The inquest continues, with further inquiries into the circumstances of his death.