Teenager's unexplained death in park was 'cheeky little boy'

A 13-year-old who died after being found unconscious in a park has been described as a “cheeky little boy”, “bright and caring”.

Carson Price, from Hengoed, was discovered in Ystrad Mynach Park, South Wales, at around 7.20pm on Friday.

He was pronounced dead after being taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, 12 miles away, and police said they considered his death unexplained.

Officers said “illegal substances” could have been a contributing factor.

The child's family released a statement paying tribute to him, saying: “Carson was bright and caring, kind and loving, he was a cheeky little boy.

“He was the best big brother, he was loved and will be missed by so many.”

The teenager's mother, Tatum Price, suggested his death was drug-related in a comment on the Gwent Police Facebook page.

She said, “Please help us find out that he [sic] I sold these drugs to my son… my life is ruined, my baby is gone.”

In her own Facebook post, Ms Price said she was “broken” by her son's death, before adding: “My life is over.”

Friends of the family also expressed shock and sadness, while the Lewis School the teenager attended in nearby Pengam said pupils and staff were “devastated”.

The school said in a statement on Facebook: “At such a horrible time, I am sure everyone in our community will join us in sending our deepest condolences and sympathy to everyone affected by this tragic event .

“Support will be made available to any students or staff in the coming weeks, but in the meantime our thoughts are with the family, we literally have no words…”

Detective Chief Inspector Sam Payne said: “While we are awaiting official medical confirmation of the cause of death, one of our main lines of inquiry focuses on illegal substances as a contributing factor.

“Specialist officers continue to support Carson’s family during this difficult time.”

:: Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log 523 12/4/19, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. A direct message can also be sent to the Facebook or Twitter accounts of Gwent Police.