A young British sailor who had taken part in the Isaf Youth Sailing World Championships in Tavira last month and finished 11th was found dead in the UK.
According to the UK’s MailOnline, Jessica Eales was discovered in woodland at Sway in the New Forest, Hampshire, on Thursday last week.
The 17-year-old from Lymington had celebrated her birthday the day before her death. Hampshire Police confirmed her death is not being treated as suspicious, writes the MailOnline.
Before the Tavira sailing event, Jessica Eales had won a gold medal at the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Youth National Championships in Weymouth and Portland, Dorset, in April.
Sport contributor Chris Wright, who covered the Youth Sailing World Championships and photographed the British team, said: “I was privileged to be present when hundreds of happy, carefree young sailors converged on Tavira’s main square for the opening ceremony recently. The British team were obviously enjoying the special occasion. I asked if anyone was from my birth county of Hampshire and several youngsters including Jessica responded and were keen to know about Tavira and the surrounding area. A tragic loss of a beautiful and talented young lady who had the world at her feet. Our condolences go to her family and friends at this sad time.”
Photo: CHRIS WRIGHT
