Teenage boy, 15, died in frozen field after inexplicably skipping school

A teenage boy died of hypothermia in fields in freezing conditions after missing school.

Daniel Chambers, 15, was found on marshy land three days after he disappeared near his home in Tipton St John in Devon in December 17.

The teenager had not got on the school bus and was seen by eyewitnesses walking nearby.

After several days, his body was found partially-clothed and slumped at the base of a tree near the River Otter.

An inquest reportedly heard that whisky was found in his rucksack and tests showed his blood alcohol level was over the legal limit for driving.

The cause of death was found to be hypothermia and the teen’s death was described as a “tragic accident”, with his actions completely out of character.

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Daniel was described by a friend as “quiet and shy” and he was said to have been his normal self the day before he disappeared.

Detective Sergeant Charlotte Heath said his death was a “truly tragic accident” adding: ”It was very, very cold during that week.

“There are a number of areas where there is a lot of water at that time of year.”

His parents said in a statement: “Daniel talked about his future, such as visiting his older sister, Melissa, at university, and partying with her, travelling abroad and possibly joining the forces as a career.

“His death was a tragic accident and a loss of his life which was just beginning. We will never see him grown into manhood, fall in love and achieve amazing things. The world has lost a wonderful young man.

“We cannot comprehend or accept life without him, and our world will never be the same again.”