ANOTHER soldier has died on an Army fitness test which was held in Brecon on Tuesday (Jul 19).
26 year old Cpl Joshua Hoole, from Ecclefechan near Locerbie, died during a pre-course training session for the Platoon Sergeants’ Battle Course. Ambulances were called around 9am, after Joshua had arrived back at the barracks.
The cause of the death is currently unknown and police are investigating the incident. The day in question was the hottest of the year so far for the UK, however a Military of Defence spokesman said that: “It was 17 degrees when they started and 21 or 22 degrees when they finished.
“It was a two-week course and they were on day two. They all did the annual fitness test which is an eight-mile route carrying 25kg in two hours. No-one can do the route in less than one hour and 50 minutes.
“The annual fitness test is the first thing you do. This test gets done all across the infantry and is not supposed to be taxing.”
Joshua’s death follows the death of three SAS recruits who died in 2013, in which instance the coroner accused the Army of neglect.
Since 2000, 125 personnel have died in training which includes 89 Army, 24 Roval Navy and 22 RAF.
Update: Dyfed-Powys Police is continuing its investigation into the unexplained death of soldier Joshua Hoole.
Further results, following a post mortem, are expected in late September. Police will evaluate the results along with all other information available through the investigation. An inquest will not be opened at this time.
A Family Liaison Officer is continuing to support the family
Add Comment