Tributes to 'inspirational' former Hartlepool teacher and rugby player killed by cows

Dave Clark, who was deputy head of Richmond School, in North Yorkshire, died while on a walk in fields near the town on Monday night.

Prior to joining the school in 1997 Mr Clark, who was in his 50s, taught PE at Manor Academy, then a comprehensive, in Hartlepool from about 1990 where he was a head of year, and also played for West Hartlepool Rugby Club.

Former club president Les Smith said: "Dave joined West as a young PE teacher having played for Scotland under 21s.

"He was always super fit and aimed to get on the Gladiator TV programme.

"Dave played second row or flanker. He was robust, aggressive and gregarious with a distinctive running gait after breaking his leg just before joining us.

"He moved on to become deputy head at Ian Ramsay School in Stockton and then Richmond school always returning for former players' functions.

"The thoughts and sympathy of everyone at West go to the whole family.”

One tribute left on the club’s message board to Mr Clark, known as Balse, said: "This is dreadful news, I have great memories of playing in the same side as Dave, and touring the Far East, a real character. RIP.”

Another described him as a fantastic all round sportsman who loved the outdoors including walking, mountaineering and cycling.

A number of his former Manor pupils also left condolences on Richmond School’s Facebook tribute.

John Simpson wrote: “RIP. Taught me at Manor Comprehensive in Hartlepool up till 96, the man was an inspiration.

"Much love to his family.”

Another of his students from the early 90s, Nikki Pearson, added: “Such sad news. I will always remember him taking part in the school Christmas talent show where he dressed up as Sinitta and danced on stage singing ‘So Macho!’

"He will be missed.”

Richmond School head Jenna Potter said he was “a brilliant school leader and simply a lovely man who enriched the life of everyone he came into contact with”.

North Yorkshire Police said Mr Clark was treated by paramedics after a report he had been injured by some cows, but he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

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