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Popular teacher trampled to death by herd of cows while walking his dog

Dave Clark was killed while out walking his dogs

A popular deputy head teacher has been trampled to death by a herd of cows while walking his dog.

David Clark, who had taught at Richmond School in North Yorkshire for 23-years, died on Monday afternoon in a field on the outskirts of the town,

It is thought the married father had been walking his dogs at around 6.30pm when he was charged by a herd of cattle that trampled him causing fatal injuries.

An air ambulance was scrambled to the area, but it is believed Mr Clark was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.

Pupils at the school, which has just returned after the lockdown and summer break, were deeply upset when his death was announced in a message to parents on Tuesday morning.

Tributes paid to Mr Clark included a message from one parent, who described him as "one of the good guys".

Staff and students at the school were informed of the accident by headteacher Jenna Potter.

She said: "Dave was killed as a result of an accident as he walked his dogs in the countryside.

"Dave worked at Richmond School for 23 years and was the heart and soul of the school, taking such pride in his very important work."

Mrs Potter said the school was in a state of shock with pupils and staff struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

She added: "Dave was not only an admired colleague, he was also a much loved friend and member of the local community and I know that many of you, as parents, will have very fond memories of being taught by him."

The headteacher said that the school would celebrate Dave's contribution to the school in the fullness of time.

"For now our thoughts are with Dave's wife, children and wider family and on supporting our students."

One parent said her son had messaged to say pupils were very upset with many in tears.

He added: "He was really popular, one of the good guys. It's just incredibly sad. He'd been there forever — even when pupils had left he remembered their names and would ask how they were doing."

It is understood Yorkshire Ambulance Service paramedics and the Great North Air Ambulance helicopter were called to the incident.

A spokesperson for GNAA said: "We attended an incident in Hurgill Road, Richmond, yesterday.

"We were on scene at 6.55pm with a doctor and paramedic on board but we didn't airlift anyone from the scene."

North Yorkshire Police said they were called to a report that a man in his 50s had been injured by cows in a field north of Richmond, at 7.30pm yesterday.

A spokesman said: "He was treated by paramedics, but sadly he was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team will be working to support those affected by his death today.

"The Health and Safety Executive has been informed, and enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances."

According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr Clark has worked at the school for more than 23 years. He was educated at Jordanhill College in Glasgow and was a keen cyclist, swimmer and rugby coach.

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