Former March man dies on Weymouth seafront

David Prior (Image: Archant)

Former Neale Wade student David Prior, who police say was homeless, was discovered on Friday evening.

Two police cars and an ambulance were witnessed rushing to the Jubilee Clock area of Weymouth seafront scene at around 6.40pm.

Paramedics tended to the 44-year-old but despite their best efforts he died in what police describe as an isolated incident.

Angie Barnes, from Soul Food, a Weymouth charity supporting the homeless, thought Mr Prior had been in the area for about four years but was a relatively new visitor to seeking support.

David Prior (Image: Archant)

“He would come and get food and clean clothes from us. He had only just started to engage with Soul Food for help. We didn’t know much about his background as, like most homeless, he was a very private person.

“I didn’t even know he was from March, which is so odd as I know March really well, from friends round that way,

“He was a likeable man, popular with others. It is so very sad. We will hold a wake at Soul Food after the funeral when we all gather to tell memories, funny stories, and say our final farewells to him.”

Cllr Mike Goodman, briefholder for community safety at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said it was always a ‘great sadness’ when these things happened.

The Jubilee clock in Weymouth where paramedics tried to save David Prior (Image: Archant)

“We fully support the voluntary organisations that reach out a helping hand,” he said.

A spokesman for Dorset Police confirmed they were investigating Mr Prior’s death.

He said: “Dorset Police are investigating an unexplained death of a 44-year-old male who was located on the Esplanade Weymouth in the early evening of Friday, January 9, 2015.

“Officers believe this to be an isolated incident and the coroner’s officer has been informed.”

Friends and family have left tributes for Mr Prior online, via social media and the local newspaper, the Dorset Echo’s, website.