Tragic Royal Welsh teen was found in river, police confirm
POLICE have confirmed that teenager James Corfield was found in a river after he went missing at the Royal Welsh Show.
James, 19, was found in the River Wye on Sunday afternoon following an intensive search after he was reported missing almost a week earlier.
James, a farmer’s son who had been camping at the show, was last seen at a pub in Builth Wells at around midnight on Monday, July 24. His family raised the alarm on the Tuesday when he failed to meet them at the show.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesman yesterday confirmed James was found in a river.
Police also confirmed that they are working with other organisations to prevent another incident at the show.
Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Inspector Matt Scrase said: “We are already working together to prevent another tragedy. There are many options we are considering and no idea is being discounted at this time.
“The Royal Welsh Show, county council, town council and police are committed to ensuring the safety of all visitors to the show, Llanelwedd and Builth Wells for the future.”
The family of James previously said they are “utterly devastated” since police confirmed the identity of the body found.
His family said: “James was very much a farming family guy – farming was his life and he loved his animals with a passion.
“A visit to the Royal Welsh Show was a real highlight for him – and seeing the sheep and poultry judging was something he really looked forward to.
“He went to the Royal Welsh Show every year throughout his life, and we have fond memories of taking him as a child, which we will always treasure. James was a keen cricketer and a gifted player and played for Montgomery Cricket Club.
“He was recently awarded Shropshire Division Two Cricketer of the Year, and the league’s young player of the year in 2016, a massive achievement for someone his age and something he was incredibly proud of.
“We will miss James with all our hearts and are utterly devastated.
“We are very grateful to all the volunteers who helped with the search, and for all the messages of support, but we ask now to be left in privacy.”