Jack Ayres, a promising young boxer, was last seen walking near the area where his body was later discovered, just hours before a witness reported spotting him in the water.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed the tragic news this week, announcing that 22-year-old Jack James Ayres was found dead. His body was recovered last week from a rhyne near Street, Somerset.
Authorities received a call at approximately 1:45 p.m. on March 3, 2025, reporting a man’s body in the water near Sharpham Drove. The man was later identified as Ayres, who had last been seen at around 2:30 a.m. that morning, walking along the same road.
Police are working closely with Ayres’ family to piece together his final moments. In a heartfelt statement, his family shared their grief: “Nothing can put into words how we are all feeling right now. Jack was a much-loved son, grandson, brother, cousin, nephew, and boyfriend.”
Their statement continued, “We know that nothing will bring Jack back, but we just want to try and understand the events leading up to his passing.”
Detective Chief Inspector Clement Goodwin expressed his condolences to Ayres’ family, stating, “Our thoughts are first and foremost with Jack’s devastated family.”
He reassured them that authorities were committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding Ayres’ death. Police have reviewed footage from nearby properties in an effort to identify any relevant evidence.
Providing further insight into the case, Goodwin added, “The absence of any physical injuries suggests that his death is most likely non-suspicious, but we are treating it as unexplained while further inquiries are conducted on behalf of the coroner.”
He urged motorists who were in the area that day to review their dashcam footage and come forward with any potential information. “Any details, no matter how small, could help us provide Jack’s family with much-needed clarity,” Goodwin stated.
Ayres, who was around 6 feet tall, with light brown hair and blue eyes, was wearing dark clothing when he was last seen.
A post-mortem examination determined that his preliminary cause of death was drowning. The examination also confirmed that there were no signs of physical injuries.
Since his passing, Ayres has been honored with tributes from his girlfriend. Taking to Instagram, the woman, who uses the username @caiceykelly, shared several throwback images with the late boxer.
A throwback photo of Jack Ayres and his girlfriend | Source: Instagram Story/caiceykelly
One photo showed Ayres in action, dressed in his boxing gear, while others captured the couple sharing kisses or cuddling together. Another picture featured him flexing one arm while embracing a little boy on a couch.
A tribute to Jack Ayres by his girlfriend | Source: Instagram Story/caiceykelly
His girlfriend lovingly captioned her tribute, “My beautiful JJ, we are completely lost without you, you was and will always be my absolute world and more, no one compares to you , the love, laughter and memories we will treasure forever,I love you forever. Lots of love. Your “princess” ck 😭❤️🩹💔. [sic]”
She continued honoring him with posts on her Instagram Story. On the same image of Ayres in his boxing gear, she wrote, “One of ur fav songs my boy [sic],” while Sam Barber’s “Straight and Narrow” played in the background.
She also shared fun photo booth pictures they took at the All-Stars Sports Bowl, writing, “Ur smile I’ll treasure forever. Forever 22, forever my boy.” The post also included their first picture together in front of a mirror, where Ayres chose not to show their faces, along with other memories.
Jack Ayres and his girlfriend during good times | Source: Instagram Story/caiceykelly
The late boxer’s cousin also paid tribute to him by posting an Instagram video on March 14, compiling moments from his life. “My cousin words can’t explain forever loved are Jack❤️lmk if anyone has any vids of wiv him to pls. [sic]” the relative wrote.
On March 7, a woman named Nicole Miles shared a flyer announcing Ayres’ passing on the Pyramid Boxing Club’s Facebook group. In her post, Miles wrote, “It is with great sadness that Pyramid Boxing Club has lost one of our young talented boxers.”
She continued, “Jack was a friend, a family man and a true warrior and he will never know how much we will miss him. Thoughts go out to all of Jacks family and friends at this sad time.”
The flyer included a photo of Ayres in his boxing attire, with two Bible verses quoted below. The Pyramid Boxing Club, an England-affiliated boxing club based in Street, Somerset, offers boxing classes for men, women, and children of all skill levels.