Tribute paid to Monmouth rugby player

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Wednesday, 12 February 2020 08:12

The family of Jacob Picken from Monmouth have paid tribute to him.

At around 3.45pm on Friday 7th February, a body of a man was found in the Kymin area of Monmouth by police officers.

The man has been formally identified as 23-year-old Jacob Picken, who was reported as missing to Gwent Police on Wednesday, 5th February.

Officers are not treating the death as suspicious.

Mr Picken’s family have provided the following tribute: “Jacob only ever really knew how to express love and kindness. Our hearts are broken for the loss of the gentlest soul. Jacob was all we could ever ask for in a son and we are so grateful to him for giving us the most wonderful 23 years. Our great sorrow that we have lost our eldest son is tempered by the thought that he will guide us through our future days.

“We wish to thank so many well-wishers for their overwhelming kindness. Thank you for being such wonderful friends to us in our time of great need. The community in the town, Haberdashers' Monmouth Schools, Monmouth Comprehensive School, Osbaston School and Monmouth Rugby Club are all rallying around. We need you all to look after each other, with your friends and families wherever you are right now.

“Our thanks to Gwent Police and the emergency services in all they have done in the past few days.

“We want Jacob's passing not to have been in vain and we are keen that this should lead to positive change in the way that we all approach mental health issues. For that reason, we want to open honest dialogue regarding what we all need to do to help our children in the future. Jacob has given us this opportunity and we intend to take it. With all the love that Jacob consistently showed for his friends and family.”