AN INQUEST has been opened after the death of a former Monmouth schoolboy earlier this month.

James Jorge Jose De Sousa Stayton died after falling 100 feet from the Whispering Gallery at St Paul’s Cathedral on 1st April.

The 19-year-old, who was studying in London, was a former pupil at Monmouth School for Boys, leaving after his A-levels in 2017 to read history at Queen Mary University of London.

His family said: “We are all in deep shock at the loss of our beautiful, talented and intelligent son. He had a deep passion for history and revelled in sharing his knowledge with others. He truly was a young gentlemen, always willing to help others where he could.

“With his wicked sense of humour and mischievous smile he could bring irrepressible joy to anyone in his company. Words cannot adequately express the devastation we feel, nor the love we have for him. The world is inarguably a lesser place without JJ.

“Finally, we would like to thank City of London Police along with all our family and friends for their support and compassion and we would appreciate continued privacy during this time.”

Officers from the City of London Police have compiled a report for the Coroner on the circumstances surrounding Mr De Sousa Stayton’s death, which is being treated as non-suspicious.

The Coroner’s inquest was opened on Monday (15th April).

A statement from Dr Andrew Daniel, Headmaster at Monmouth School for Boys, where James was a pupil, said: “It was with enormous sadness that we have learnt about the death of James De Sousa Stayton, aged just 19.

“James joined Monmouth School Boys’ Prep in 2006 and was Head Boy there.

“He left Monmouth School for Boys in the summer of 2017 after taking A levels in History, Biology and Drama.

“James was a highly-respected and popular boy, who was part of the successful Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools’ expedition to India in the summer of 2016.

“James went on to read a degree in History at Queen Mary University of London.

“The De Sousa Stayton family are very much part of the Monmouth Schools’ community and our heartfelt condolences are with them at this very difficult time.

“At Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools, we will be doing everything we possibly can to support the De Sousa Stayton family.”

James’ funeral service will take place at St Mary’s Priory Church in Monmouth next Wednesday (24th April) at 2pm.

The Coroner’s inquest was opened on Monday (15th April).

A statement from Dr Andrew Daniel, Headmaster at Monmouth School for Boys, where James was a pupil, said: “It was with enormous sadness that we have learnt about the death of James De Sousa Stayton, aged just 19.

“James joined Monmouth School Boys’ Prep in 2006 and was Head Boy there.

“He left Monmouth School for Boys in the summer of 2017 after taking A levels in History, Biology and Drama.

“James was a highly-respected and popular boy, who was part of the successful Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools’ expedition to India in the summer of 2016.

“James went on to read a degree in History at Queen Mary University of London.

“The De Sousa Stayton family are very much part of the Monmouth Schools’ community and our heartfelt condolences are with them at this very difficult time.

“At Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools, we will be doing everything we possibly can to support the De Sousa Stayton family.”

James’ funeral service will take place at St Mary’s Priory Church in Monmouth next Wednesday (24th April) at 2pm.