30ft plunge to death

A BRIERLEY Hill family have paid tribute to their teenage son who died after falling 30 feet down a cliff face.

Christopher Kevin Miller plunged to his death in woodland at the rear of St Mark's Church, High Street, Pensnett, on Sunday March 4.

Christopher was found at around 7pm, emergency crews battled through driving rain and difficult terrain to reach the 16-year-old but were unable to revive him.

In a statement, Christopher's family said: "Chris, who was known to most people as Ginge' was a loving son who was loved by everyone.

"He really enjoyed working as a trainee mechanic and was mad about fishing.

"He had a lot of friends, both young and old and was known for his good sense of humour and being a cheeky tease with the girls.

"He is sorely missed by everyone who knew him."

People living close to the embankment where Christopher was found, near Vicarage Lane, have expressed shock about the fatal fall.

A resident who did not wish to be identified, said: "It's a tragedy, a terrible loss of life.

"It's a shame as he had not even started his life, I have never known anything like this happening around here."

A West Midlands Ambulance spokesperson said: "Ambulance staff made desperate attempts to revive the youngster, however despite their efforts, the casualty was pronounced dead by a paramedic.

"Initial calls suggested a teenager was suffering from breathing difficulties."

A post mortem was scheduled for yesterday (Wednesday) prior to an inquest into the circumstances of Christopher's death by the Black Country coroner.