Royal Navy rugby player Steffan Rees, 29, killed in cliff fall during military tournament in French seaside town
A ROYAL Navy sailor found dead in France is feared to have accidentally fallen off a cliff after a night out, police say.
Steffan Rees, from Aberystwyth, Wales, was competing in the World Defence Rugby competition when he was reported missing on Tuesday.
The 29-year-old's body was found a short time later on a beach at the bottom of a cliff in Dinard, Brittany.
Steffan was taking part in a military rugby tournament, also known World Military Rugby Championship, in the region
A Royal Navy spokesman told The Sun: "We can confirm the death of Royal Navy sailor, Able Seaman Steffan Rees of Aberystwyth.
"Our thoughts and sympathy are with his family and friends.
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"We continue to assist the French authorities with their investigations and therefore are unable to comment further."
In a tribute on social media, teammate Ben Watson wrote: "Until the next time my friend, far too soon."
Prosecutors in France say he is believed to have plunged from a cliff by accident.
Local prosecutor Fabrice Tremel said: "Questioning of several witnesses and video surveillance images show the victim was behaving, on the night of August 28, in a way that suggested he was quite drunk.
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"At the current stage of investigation the most likely scenario is an accidental fall."
An autopsy revealed several fractures "in line with a fall of several metres", Tremel added.
Cops are continuing to probe Steffan's death.
The rugby championship - which brings together military teams from 12 allied nations - is being played in 26 Brittany venues until September 10 and features 500 players and staff.