Missing Staffordshire cricketer Ian Pearson found dead in South Wales
TRIBUTES have been paid to a 41-year-old holidaymaker who was found dead three days after going missing in a South Wales resort.
Relatives called in police after Ian Pearson went missing around the Pembrokeshire coast last Wednesday.
His body was discovered in nearby woods on Saturday afternoon.
Now a post-mortem examination is being carried out to find out how Ian died.
For the next couple of weeks we have some special offers
such as the award winning DMCTZ40 20x optical zoom camera
Was £289.95 - Now £269.97 SAVE an extra £20 with this voucher ONLY £249.90
Terms:
We are closed to enjoy the Bank holiday with our own families, so this offer and others are live now.
Great savings across all the products TV's - washers - cameras - HiFi - cleaners and more
Contact: 01782 342609
Valid until: Thursday, June 06 2013
It is expected an inquest will be held into Ian's death at a later date.
Ian, who was brought up in the Staffordshire Moorlands, had been living in the Manchester area.
He was well-known in North Staffordshire cricketing circles having played for Leek and Ashcombe Park cricket clubs.
Former teammates today paid tribute to the popular medium pace bowler.
Close friend Steve Proffitt, who is captain at Ashcombe Park, said: "It's such sad news because Ian was one of the most genuine people I knew.
"He was a whole-hearted guy who wore his heart on his sleeve. He gave everything to the team and his friends.
"He was a top-class player and a great teacher, always making time for the younger lads."
Steve, aged 34, was just nine and playing for the club's junior teams when he first met Ian.
He added: "I looked up to him because he was the kind of man worth looking up to.
"He was a big family man and it's such tragic news to hear he's passed away."
In 2000, Ian hit the sporting headlines when he took all 10 wickets in an innings for Leek Cricket Club against Elworth.
Leek Cricket Club chairman and former teammate Brian Mellor said: "Very few people have achieved what Ian did on the cricket pitch. He was a great club cricketer.
"We're absolutely devastated by the news. He was such a good man on and off the pitch – the life and soul of everything that was going on."
Ian was last seen in Little Haven, in Pembrokeshire, with his two border collie dogs at 9.45am last Wednesday.
Inspector Jackie Blackmore, from Dyfed-Powys Police, said yesterday: "Following an extensive search by specialist teams a body of a man matching Ian Pearson's description was found in a densely wooded area in South Pembrokeshire on Saturday afternoon.
"Ian's next of kin have been informed.
"There are no suspicious circumstances and the coroner is being informed.
"Our sympathies and thoughts are with Ian's family."
To pay your respects to Ian, email tributes@thesentinel.co.uk
Comments
by tatts
Tuesday, September 25 2012, 4:39PM
“Very Sad and shocking news. Played cricket with 'Peo' through Juniors at Aschombe Park and then up at Cheddleton Hospitals as it was then known. He was always quick to have a laugh and a pint! and he was pretty good at 'turning his wing over' !! lost touch with him over the years but always kept an eye on the papers to see his bowling figures. . .. R.I.P Peo . . . . Tat”
by supervaliant
Tuesday, September 25 2012, 11:31AM
“Just heard the tragic news of Ian's untimely death.
We grew up together in Cheddleton with a shared love of football and cricket. If we couldn't play the real thing we'd play 'Subbuteo' or 'Test Match'! Happy days.
Many of my fondest childhood memories are with 'Peo'.
No-one could wish for a better friend; Ian was such a genuine bloke.
We lost touch somewhat after leaving school and our paths rarely crossed (apart from the odd Vale game), and it's desperately sad knowing they never will again.
The world will be a poorer place without you mate.
I'm currently living in Japan so will be unable to attend the funeral; but my thoughts will be with his family and those who knew him best.
R.I.P old mate.
Stu Riley”
by Lewislucy
Monday, September 24 2012, 8:51PM
“Just read about Ian,I can't believe it.Used to work with him and was like his older sister,shared lots of ups and downs together and he was a real good mate to have.
Knew he moved to Manchester and was happily settled down.My condolences to his family,he was a great guy and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.R.I.P Ian.Pat Meredith x”
by Annette
Monday, September 24 2012, 11:00AM
“We were wondering does anyone know what Ian's funeral arrangements are, we wouldn't like to miss it ! Annette+Aaron”
by ant14red
Thursday, September 20 2012, 5:36PM
“So sorry to hear about the news of Ian's death. We grew up together and shared many a conversation about our common interest of cricket and football for many years. I competed alongside him on many an occasion and for me he was the best example of dedication and hard work as his sporting achievements spoke for themselves. A genuinely nice fella, gone far to early and will be sadly missed. My condolences to his family and friends. R.I.P. Ian. Ant Rhead”
by Deano45
Thursday, September 20 2012, 11:59AM
“Really gutted to hear about my old mate "PeeO" as we used to call him. Played cricket with Ian many years ago when as a young lad, he broke into the "Hospitals" 1st team before going on to great things with Ashcombe Park and Leek. Always a genuine guy and an excellent fast bowler! RIP Big fella! Dean Burgess”
by m_holdcroft
Thursday, September 20 2012, 9:15AM
“Abosolutely devastating news. We worked with Ian for a number of years and he was always such a fun loving great guy who became a friend. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. R.I.P Ian. Paul & Michelle xxx”
by Annette
Thursday, September 20 2012, 8:31AM
“We were fortunate to meet Ian on many occasions. He was a genuine, kind, caring young man....Ian was taken far too soon. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. R.I.P Ian. Annette+Aaron x”