An investigation has been launched into the death of a soldier who collapsed during the week of the UK’s record-breaking heatwave.
Sapper Connor Morrison, who was stationed at Woodbridge in Suffolk, was reported to have suffered breathing difficulties on 21 July, with the ambulance service called to Rock Barracks in Sutton Heath.
He was taken to Ipswich Hospital by ambulance crews but died two days later.
Earlier that week, on 19 July, a new UK record high temperature of 40.3C (104.5F) was recorded in Coningsby, Lincolnshire.
Sapper Morrison’s death is being investigated by the Defence Safety Authority alongside Suffolk Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
It would not be the first death of a member of the UK armed forces during a heatwave, after two people were believed to have died from heat exhaustion while training in Wales in 2013.
An Army spokesperson said: “It is with sadness that we confirm the death of Sapper Connor Morrison of 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment on July 23 2022.
UK needs a bigger army, defence secretary Ben Wallace signals
Public sector pay rises – who decides and how?
Thousands of Ukrainian ‘battle casualty replacements’ are being trained in England
“Our thoughts are with Sapper Morrison’s family and friends at this difficult time, and we ask that their privacy is respected.
“As his death is being investigated it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
A Suffolk Police spokesperson said: “We received a report from the ambulance service on July 21 reporting a male had collapsed in the Sutton area near to Woodbridge.”
A spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust said: “An ambulance, ambulance officer vehicle and East Anglian Air Ambulance were called to Rock Barracks, Sutton Heath, on July 21 following reports of a man with breathing problems.
“He was transported to Ipswich Hospital by ground ambulance, attended by air ambulance crew.”
An HSE spokesperson said: “The HSE is aware of the incident and making inquiries.”
An inquest into Sapper Morrison’s death is due to be held at a later date.
West Lowland Battalion Army Cadet Force, based in the south west of Scotland, wrote on Facebook that it was “saddened” to hear of the death of “former Balaklava Cadet CSM Connor Morrison”.
“He touched the lives of many of our adult instructors and cadets during his time in the ACF, and will be remembered by many as a charismatic and enthusiastic young man.
“He will be sorely missed.
“Our condolences are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
