THE family of a rugby-playing 23-year-old who was found dead on a hillside overlooking his home town say they don’t want his death to be in vain.

Former Monmouth School for Boys’ pupil Jacob Picken was described as “a beautiful son” who was filled with “love and kindness”.

And his family want his passing to open up a debate about the way we deal with mental health issues.

Monmouth RFC and its members also remembered “a true warrior on the rugby pitch” and a “complete gentleman” following his discovery on the Kymin on Friday (February 7) afternoon.

The Ted Senior Foundation, set up in memory of another young club member who died two years ago, also posted: “We are completely heartbroken to hear this tragic news. Our thoughts go out to all of Jacob’s family and friends, and everyone at Monmouth RFC. Sending all our love xx.”

Friends gathered at the Gate House pub beside the town’s Monnow Bridge on Monday night to “celebrate Jacob’s life, share stories and keep his memory alive.”

Jacob, who studied art at college and worked as a barman at the Estero Lounge, was last seen walking into the town centre from St Mary’s Church around 6.30pm last Wednesday (February 5).

Friends, family and fire service volunteers organised a search of the town, spreading out along the river banks of the Wye and Monnow on Thursday night, but tragically Jacob’s body was found the following afternoon.

His father Rob Pick- en, who teaches at Monmouth School for Boys, sent a message to the community thanking them for their support.

He said: “Dear all, I am so sorry to inform you that our beautiful son, Jacob, has passed away… our loss is obviously indescribable.

He added that the family “need your strength, thoughts and prayers in the coming days, weeks and months to bolster their courage for the road ahead.

“Thank you for being such wonderful friends to us all. The community in the town, Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools, Monmouth Comprehensive School, Osbaston School and Monmouth Rugby Club are all rallying around. We need to look after each other right now. X.”

He thanked Gwent Police and the emergency services for all “they have done in the past few days.”

“Jacob only ever knew how to express love and kindness. Our hearts are broken for the loss of the gentlest soul…

“Knowing you are thinking of us means everything...” he added. “Know that we are rea-ching out to you all in our hearts and drawing strength from knowing that Jacob was deeply loved by so many.”

In a further tribute released via Gwent Police, the family added: “We want Jacob’s passing not to have been in vain and we are keen that this should lead to positive change in the way that we all approach mental health issues.

“For that reason, we want to open honest dialogue regarding what we all need to do to help our children in the future. Jacob has given us this opportunity and we intend to take it.

“With all the love that Jacob consistently showed for his friends and family.”

Byron Hapgood, president of Monmouth RFC, posted on behalf of all club members: “Our sincere condolences to all family and friends at this desperately sad time. RIP Jacob – such a lovely lad.”

The club also posted on its Facebook page: “Thoughts are with all Jacob’s family and friends at this difficult time from all at Monmouth RFC.”

Scott McGowan add- ed: “Nicest lad I’ve ever met and a true warrior on the rugby pitch. He will be massively missed. The amount of people out looking the other night was a sign of just how popular he is. Rest in peace Jacob. Xx.”

Gareth Roberts said: “Polite, gentle and humble and loved being on a rugby pitch. Always had a smile behind the bar in the club too. A complete gentleman,” while Alex Smailes paid tribute to a “big character on and off the pitch, blessed to have played with such a gentleman and kind lad!”

A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: “At around 3.45pm on Friday, February 7, the body of a man was found in the Kymin area of Monmouth by police officers.

“We can confirm that the man has been formally identified as 23- year-old Jacob Picken, who was reported as missing to Gwent Police on February 5. 

“Officers are not treating the death as suspicious. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Jacob at this difficult time.” 

Workmates posted that Jacob “was an absolute pleasure to work with,” and “an absolute joy (who) will be greatly missed.”

One poster said he “was like a brother. A kind person and one of a kind. R.I.P bro,” while others remembered “a very kind and gentle soul” and “a lovely guy who was so friendly and polite to everyone.”