22-Year-Old Boxer Found Dead Hours After Going Missing

The sudden death of 22-year-old boxer Jack Ayres has left his family, friends, and the boxing world reeling. Ayers' body turned up in a river in Somerset, England, on March 3, 2025 — less than 12 hours after he vanished. According to a release, Avon and Somerset Police have called the death "unexplained" and continue working to piece together Ayers' final hours.

A Rising Star Lost Too Soon

Jack Ayres had talent and heart. He trained at Pyramid Boxing Club, where he built a reputation as a fierce competitor and a loyal friend. Described by his club as a "true warrior" according to the Daily Mail, Ayers stood 6 feet tall with light brown hair and blue eyes. His family called him a "much-loved son, grandson, brother, cousin, nephew and boyfriend," according to PEOPLE. His sudden death has left a hole in the lives of everyone who knew him.

What Happened the Night Ayers Went Missing?

Ayers was last seen around 2:30 a.m. on March 3, 2025, walking along Sharpham Drove in Somerset, England. Nearly 12 hours later, around 1:45 p.m., a passerby spotted his body in a drainage ditch and called the police. Investigators quickly confirmed his identity.

A post-mortem listed drowning as the preliminary cause of death, but the lack of physical injuries has puzzled authorities. Detective Chief Inspector Clement Goodwin stated, "The lack of any physical injuries would suggest the circumstances of his death are most likely to be non-suspicious, but we are treating it as unexplained while further enquiries are carried out on behalf of the coroner," according to the Daily Mail.

Family and Friends Left Searching for Answers

Ayers' family issued a heartbreaking statement, saying, "We know that nothing will bring Jack back, but we just want to try and understand the lead up to his passing," as reported by PEOPLE. Pyramid Boxing Club also posted a tribute, calling Ayers "a friend, a family man and a true warrior," as reported by the Daily Mail. The club added, "He will never know how much we will miss him."

Police Still Looking for Clues

Investigators haven't ruled out any possibilities yet. Police have searched nearby properties for CCTV footage and asked drivers who were in the area that night to check dashcam recordings. "Any information would be gratefully received as it may be able to help us provide Jack's family with greater clarity around what happened," Goodwin told the Daily Mail.

References: Missing Boxer, 22, Found Dead in River 12 Hours After He Suddenly Vanished: Police | Tragedy as young boxer, 22, is found dead in a river as heartbroken family pay tribute to promising fighter | Appeal after unexplained death of Jack Ayres, 22