Teenager named after ‘unexplained’ park death

A 13-year-old boy who died after being found unconscious in a park has been named locally as Carson Price.

The teenager was found close to a rugby pitch at about 7.20pm in Ystrad Mynach Park, Caerphilly Road, Ystrad Mynach.

He was taken to University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where he was pronounced dead.

On Saturday afternoon, the boy's mother Tatum Price and father Brian Price were seen consoling each other metres away from the park's rugby field, where a section of grass behind its rugby posts was cordoned off.

Earlier in the day, the mother posted on Facebook: "My life is ruined, my baby gone."

Officers remained at the scene during the late afternoon while young teenagers gathered in groups on the grass adjacent to a children's play area.

Christopher Parry, head teacher at Lewis School Pengam – where the boy attended, said the school was "devastated" by his death.

Mr Parry said: "It's with immense sadness that today I heard the news that one of our pupils has passed away.

"We are all devastated by this tragic loss. We will providing support for pupils in the weeks ahead, but in the meantime my thoughts and prayers are with the family. There are no words."

Gwent Police said an investigation is under way and that it is treating the boy's death as unexplained.

Detective Chief Inspector Sam Payne, who is leading the investigation, said: "At this time enquiries are ongoing and the investigation into this young boy's death are still in the early stages.

"Specialists are working to determine the exact cause of death and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

"I'd like to appeal to anyone who can assist with our investigation. If you have information that could help, please call us on 101 quoting log 523 12/4/19 or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"Alternatively, you can send a direct message with information via our Gwent Police Facebook or Twitter social media pages."