Body found in search for Jenny Hastings as Scots rugby legend Scott and family informed

Jenny Hastings
-Credit: (Image: PA)


A body has been found in the search for Jenny Hastings, police have confirmed. Jennifer, wife of Scottish rugby legend Scott Hastings, went wild swimming at Wardle Bay in Edinburgh at around 2.45pm on Tuesday, September 3.

She was reported missing when she didn't return and a huge emergency response was scrambled to the scene. A major multi-agency search, including police, HM Coastguard and RNLI crews, was launched for the 60-year-old.

Police have now confirmed a body was found in the Hound Point area of South Queensferry at around 3.20pm on Saturday. Formal identification is yet to take place, but Jenny's heartbroken family have been informed.

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Rugby legend Scott Hastings and his wife Jenny picture in October 2010
Rugby legend Scott Hastings and his wife Jenny picture in October 2010 -Credit:Daily Record

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 3.20pm on Saturday, September 7, 2024, the body of a woman was found in the Hound Point area of South Queensferry. Formal identification is yet to take place but the family of missing woman Jenny Hastings has been informed. There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."

The heartbroken Hastings family previously said Jenny "struggled with her mental health" and "ultimately was unable to cope on this occasion". They added: “Jenny went for a swim in the Firth of Forth on the afternoon of Tuesday, September 3, 2024, and the incident is being treated by the police as a high risk missing person case.

“It appears that she wished to end her suffering in what was a regular and healing place for her. She loved the water but unfortunately her mind was not in a place of safety. The Hastings family are absolutely heartbroken. We miss our Jenny. She leaves a gaping hole in all our hearts and hope that she is returned to us safely so that we can celebrate her remarkable life.”

Yesterday we told how grieving members of the community laid floral tributes for Jenny after it was revealed she was presumed dead. Flowers and cards were placed at Wardle Bay beach, where she went missing on Tuesday.

Jenny previously told how she had been battling depression for 20 years after going missing for two days in March 2017. She spent 36 hours in the Pentland Hills on the edge of Edinburgh, before being found 10 miles from her home without her phone or any way of contacting her concerned family.

Reflecting on the unfortunate incident, Jenny said she wanted to be left on her own. She said: "It's awful to even think about that now, but the reality is I just wanted to get away, I wanted to be on my own.

"I didn't want to be with anyone. At that point I really felt that I was not part of anyone's life - I didn't believe anyone wanted me around. I was just walking, completely lost in my thoughts. I wasn't even sure where I was or where I was going."

Floral tributes were laid for Jenny Hastings at Wardie Bay
Floral tributes were laid for Jenny Hastings at Wardie Bay -Credit:Daily Record

During the course of his rugby career, Scott established himself as one of Scotland's greatest ever players, alongside brother Gavin. A pacey and fearless outside centre, he won 65 caps for his country and represented the British and Irish Lions twice.

Scott was forced to administer an adrenaline injection when Jenny collapsed in front of them at their home after trying to take her own life. Speaking about the terrifying incident, he said: "We still don't know what it was that happened that morning. Previously, she would pick up the phone, but this time she didn't.

"There are other ways of self-harming, it doesn't all have to be physical. For Jenny, it was that she felt a burden and the way she dealt with that was to run away and we realised the impact that has."

Scott Hastings starring for Scotland against England in 1996
Scott Hastings starring for Scotland against England in 1996 -Credit:Getty Images Sport Classic

Scott admitted supporting his wife of 25 years had been among the toughest challenges he's faced off the pitch. The couple became ambassadors for mental health charity Support in Mind Scotland and has spent years working to help others facing their own battles.

In July 2017, they helped launch their 100 Streets Challenge which encouraged people to help boost their mental health through exercise.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

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