24 March 2021

We are deeply saddened to confirm that one of our residents was found unresponsive at our supported accommodation in Exeter earlier this afternoon and was confirmed deceased by the paramedics. The immediate family have been informed and police liaison officers are providing support at this extremely difficult time.

As this has just happened, the cause of the death is not yet known. However, we are working with the police, coroners and other relevant parties to determine the cause of death.

YMCA Exeter takes the safety of our young people extremely seriously and our residents’ welfare is central to everything we do. Our supported accommodation meets or exceeds all relevant safety standards and we have an in-house team of professional support staff who work alongside our incredible young people.

We respectfully request that the family are given space and privacy to grieve during this time.

We will update this statement when we are able but due to the ongoing nature of the police enquiry we are unable to discuss this incident further at this point in time, you may still be able to contact the Devon and Cornwall Police press office.