Soldier dies during Yorkshire training exercise

A 26-year-old soldier died after collapsing while on a moorland training exercise, police have said.

The soldier was taking aprt in a training exercise at Barden Moor near Leyburn in North Yorkshire. Picture: Complimentary

The incident, which was not being treated as suspicious, happened near Leyburn, North Yorkshire, on Wednesday morning. The soldier died at the scene.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Officers were called just before 9am on Wednesday 28 August 2013, following a report that a 26-year-old man, serving in the military, had collapsed at Barden Moor, Leyburn.

“Sadly, despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

“We are not yet in a position to release his name. His family have been informed.

“Officers are working with the Army to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death, which is not suspicious, so that a file can be prepared on behalf of the coroner.”

An Army press officer referred calls to North Yorkshire Police.

The soldier’s collapse followed the deaths of three reservists in the Brecon Beacons who were on an SAS selection training course when temperatures reached 30C in July.

Corporal James Dunsby, Lance Corporal Criag Roberts and Trooper Eddie Maher were carrying heavy packs while attempting to cross the Pen y Fan mountain.

Conditions in North Yorkshire were much cooler on Wednesday, around 17C with a slight breeze.

It was not clear if soldiers were carrying heavy loads in this exercise.