St Andrews University student dies in 60ft cliff plunge

Published on Friday 6 November 2009 12:59

A "BRIGHT and popular" student plunged 60ft to his death today from cliffs close to his university.

St Andrews

Alex Wilson, 19, from Alberbury, Shropshire, was with friends when he fell from the cliff at around 1.30am.

The first-year student had only started at St Andrews University recently.

His body was washed up close to the spot where he fell, in the Scores area of the Fife town, at about 3am.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

University vice-principal Stephen Magee, said: "Alex, 19, died this morning following a tragic accident in St Andrews.

"Alex, whose family home is in Alberbury in Shropshire, was in his first year with us studying French and Spanish and also social anthropology.

"He was a bright and very popular student who was much loved by his family and friends.

"We send our sincere condolences to Alex's parents, Chris and Jean, and his brother, Henry, at this enormously difficult time.

"The university remains in close contact with the family at this time and we understand that arrangements for Alex's funeral will be known later."

The lifeboat at Broughty Ferry and an RAF helicopter from Northumberland were launched to help find Mr Wilson.

His body was eventually discovered in the sea near the Sea Life Centre and recovered from the water by firefighters.

Detective Inspector Stuart Welsh, who is leading the investigation into the death, said: "We are currently inquiring into this death and a report is to be submitted to the procurator fiscal at Cupar in due course.

"I would appeal to any person who has any knowledge in relation to this incident, which at this early stage appears to be a tragic accident, to call us.

"We are particularly keen to speak to a young American man, who may be a university student, who is believed to have spoken to the young man only minutes before his death."