**Pensioner’s Death in Boggy Field Attributed to Hypothermia and Pneumonia After Getting Stuck in Mud**
A 92-year-old man from Gwynedd, identified as William Morris Jones, has tragically died after becoming trapped in a muddy field near Criccieth, an inquest in Caernarfon has revealed. The incident, which unfolded at the end of December last year, underscores the dangers faced by vulnerable individuals when traversing remote or challenging landscapes, especially during colder months.
Mr Jones, who was well known in the local community as a retired groundsman at Criccieth Golf Club, was discovered after a search was launched following concerns from his family. The inquest heard that Mr Jones had been staying with relatives through the Christmas holidays, appearing to be in good spirits and eating well. His second cousin, Nora Lloyd Roberts, recounted that she had hosted him for Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and later dropped him off at his home in Rhoslan on 27 December, supplying him with extra food for the coming days.
The following day, Mr Jones stopped by Mrs Roberts’ husband’s darts shop in Caernarfon where he enjoyed a cup of tea, a regular activity for the pensioner. However, after failing to answer phone calls made to check on his well-being later that weekend, concern quickly escalated among his relatives. On 29 December, Mrs Roberts and her daughter visited his house, only to find it empty. With mounting worries, they contacted both the police and a local hospital, leading to the launch of a police search.
Officers pieced together information from the community and discovered that Mr Jones had caught the 1pm bus from Caernarfon to Criccieth the previous Saturday. Witnesses confirmed seeing him disembark at 1.45pm. Notably, there exists a shortcut from the bus stop to his home, a route Mr Jones was likely to have taken.
Police Constable Adam Hall described the difficult conditions faced when searching the fields in that area, highlighting deep mud and overall bogginess that made walking treacherous. During their search, PC Hall and a colleague discovered personal items, including a shopping bag and umbrella, which suggested Mr Jones had used the shortcut. As daylight faded, they noticed a body lying near a bag and a rucksack. Mr Jones was found with his feet sunk deep into the mud, leading investigators to believe he became immobilised and unable to free himself.
A post-mortem examination, led by consultant histopathologist Dr Muhammad Zain Mehdi, determined that Mr Jones died from bronchopneumonia and hypothermia. The overnight temperatures had dropped to as low as three degrees Celsius—a harsh environment for anyone left exposed, and particularly dangerous for the elderly or those with underlying health conditions.
Senior coroner Kate Robertson concluded that Mr Jones’s death was accidental. She noted the likelihood that Mr Jones, while attempting to take his usual shortcut home, became stuck in the mud and was unable to recover. The combination of physical exhaustion, pre-existing health challenges, and the cold temperatures proved fatal as he remained in the rural setting overnight.
Coroner Robertson extended heartfelt condolences to Mrs Roberts and the wider family, recognising the distressing circumstances surrounding the loss. The incident has brought attention to the importance of community vigilance and robust support for elderly residents living in rural or isolated areas, particularly during the winter months.
Mr Jones was remembered fondly within the Criccieth community. Local residents expressed sadness at his passing, recalling his contributions to the golf club and his friendly interactions across the village. The events leading to his death serve as a stark safety reminder for vulnerable individuals navigating potentially hazardous rural areas, and a call to action for neighbours and local authorities to take proactive steps in safeguarding those who may be at risk.