Tributes flood in for rising young Derbyshire rugby star

William Musgrove, 14, of Malthouse Lane, Ashover, was sadly found dead in the village on Monday morning.

He was reported missing from his home on Sunday night, resulting in a desperate search by relatives and police.

Much-loved William played for the under-14 Bakelock rugby team.

A spokesman for Matlock rugby club described him as a “key” member of the squad.

“Our thoughts are with his family, rugby and other friends at this very sad time,” the spokesman added.

William was also in the Leicester Tigers Elite Player Development group at Mount St Mary’s College in Spinkhill.

A Leicester Tigers spokesman said: “We are extremely saddened to hear about the loss of a young man who had so much ahead of him.

“We join the rugby community and the Tigers family in paying tribute to him and sending our sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Our thoughts are with them.”

William was a student at Lady Manners School in Bakewell.

A spokesman for Lady Manners said: “Will was a very popular and active member of our school community and his death is a shock to us all.

“There are counsellors in school this week available for students to talk to if they wish. Revd Canon Tony Kaunhoven, from All Saints Church, will also be in school to talk to students affected by this tragedy.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with Will’s family and his many friends.”

During the opening into William’s inquest at Chesterfield coroners’ court on Thursday, Detective Sergeant Paul Gregory, of Derbyshire police, said he was found at Hard Meadow Lane, Ashover.

Det Serg Gregory added: “Enquiries are at an early stage but there is no evidence to suggest there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding William’s death.”

Coroner James Newman said his office was still awaiting post-mortem results into the teenager’s death and adjourned the inquest to a later date.

Mr Newman said: “This is a sad, tragic death.”

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