Tributes to teacher trampled to death by cows

FORMER PUPILS and parents have paid tribute to the deputy headteacher of a North Yorkshire school who died after being trampled by cows.

David Clark, who was in his 50s, was married with children and had taught at Richmond School since 1997.

Mr Clark, who was also a rugby coach and a member of Richmond Cycling Club, died after the accident in a field near Richmond on Monday evening.

In an online post, Shirley Sykes wrote: “Such a sad loss of a brilliant teacher. There are not many teachers who will get to the bottom of his students’ problems and know how to achieve the best out of them. He never gave up on any of his students.

“He was the best and the school will never be the same without him.”

Mr Clark’s death was confirmed in an email to parents and staff from headteacher Jenna Potter, who described him as the “heart and soul” of the school.

North Yorkshire Police confirmed the Health and Safety Executive had been informed.

Fraser Brown, whose children attended the school, added: “Mr Clark was so good at guiding, drawing firm lines and caring for his students.

“He was a strong leader, an energetic, passionate teacher, a person who students and parents could respect. He was a deeply kind, understanding and compassionate person.”

Mr Clark’s death is the second fatality involving cows in Yorkshire in recent months.

A man, 82, from Lancashire, died near Ribblehead Viaduct in May as he and his wife walked their dogs near cows. His wife escaped with minor injuries.