Fusilier dies after crash that killed his colleague

AN “outstanding” soldier who was critically injured in a crash that claimed the life of his colleague has died, the army has confirmed.

Fusilier Jody Herkes, from Shotts, Lanarkshire, died in hospital on Wednesday.

He was left fighting for his life following the accident in Midlothian earlier this month. The 18-year-old, of the Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 Scots), returned from Afghanistan in April.

He was driving the car which had just left Glencorse barracks in Penicuik when it crashed on Friday 19 August.

His passenger and Fusilier colleague Jamie Candlish, 20, died at the scene. He was buried in his native Hamilton last week.

Fusilier Herkes had been too young to go to Afghanistan with the rest of the battalion at first, but as soon as he turned 18 he “fought tooth and nail” to be deployed there, his commanding officer said.

Lieutenant Colonel Dougie Graham, commanding officer of the regiment, said his death was “beyond tragic”.

He said: “Fusilier Herkes was an outstanding soldier who had proven himself time and again under fire in Afghanistan.

“His dedication to the army was truly inspirational – he embodied selfless commitment.

“Fusilier Herkes was full of life and his zest for fun was infectious.”