School’s praise for tragic teenager JP Smyth

John Paul Smyth, 15, was reporting missing after being last seen in the Warrenpoint area on New Year’s Eve.

Police issued a statement on Saturday which said: “Sadly, we are no longer searching for JP and offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends this evening.”

Known as JP, the Bessbrook High pupil’s death was said by the school to have “shocked and saddened” the school community.

“The tragic and accidental death of our esteemed Year 12 pupil JP Smyth has shocked and saddened us all. The thoughts and prayers of the entire St Paul’s community go out to JP’s family and friends,” a statement on the school website said.

“JP’s infectious personality and his friendly smile endeared him to so many pupils and staff at St Paul’s.

On January 3 police issued an updated appeal for information, requesting the help of motorists in an effort to locate the teenager.

A PSNI spokesman said: “Police are requesting drivers who may have been in Warrenpoint town centre or travelling along the dual carriageway leaving Warrenpoint in the direction of Newry during the early hours of Wednesday 1 January from 3am-4am with dash cam footage to please contact police on 101. We believe some drivers with dash cams may have footage which could potentially assist us with our inquiries”.