South Yorkshire Times, April 12, 1969

Mexborough Boy Dies on Holiday in Switzerland

An early morning telephone call from Switzerland brought tragic news on Tuesday of the death of 14 years old Mexborough schoolboy, Steven Watson, of 74 Victoria Road, Mexborough.

Steven was on a nine-day ski-ing holiday at Les Marecottes, near the Swiss resort of Valais, when he complained of feeling ill on Monday.

The holiday continued for the rest of the party of pupils from Swinton Comprehensive School as Headmaster, Mr. J. H. Parry broke the news to Steven’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Watson. Mr. Parry made the journey from his home in Psalter Lane, Sheffield, at 5 a.m. on Tuesday.

Steven, who was a keen photographer, was engaged in studies leading up to G.C.E. “0” level examinations. His father, aged 37, a boilerman mechanic for a Mexborough tailoring factory, said this week: “We believe Steven had complained of a swelling on his foot first of all. Apparently he had dinner at the Hotel and complained of a headache during the evening. It got worse and someone gave him the kiss of life and the Hotel manager tried artificial respiration.”

The party are due to arrive back on Monday with Science Master and organiser, Mr. Laurence Kay. “Steven would have wished them to sta y on instead of coming home,” said Mr. Watson. “We can’t understand it—he has never had any serious illnesses.”

Great Shock

Mr. Parry told the “South Yorkshire Times” that Steven was a healthy, pleasant and popular boy who had been looking forward to the holiday. “It is hard to imagine what might have happened, but it obviously caused a great shock,” he said. “Steven was taken ill suddenly late on Monday evening. His condition worsened extremely rapidly and I believe he died a little after midnight.”

He added that every facility would be made available for the return of staff members if an inquest is forthcoming before the scheduled return.

Mr. Parry said that the Swiss Authorities had decided to allow an autopsy to be carried out in this country. Steven’s body arrived at Manchester Ringway airport on Wednesday evening.

Mr. Watson, and his wife, Mrs Kathleen Watson, have two younger children, Brian (10) and Beverley (6). Steven’s death has been reported to the Doncaster District Coroner.

The picture of Steven, shown herewith, was taken three years ago.