Jump directly to the content
NOT AT FAULT

Army to be cleared over death of soldier who died during a training exercise in 30C heat

An investigation found Corporal Joshua Hoole died of natural causes after he collapsed during the training exercise in Brecon Beacons

THE Army is to be cleared over the death of a soldier who died during a training exercise in 86F (30C) heat.

Corporal Joshua Hoole, 26, collapsed three years after three other soldiers died in the same mountain range.

NINTCHDBPICT000253362368
2
Cpl Joshua Hoole died on a training exercise in the Brecon Beacons over the summerCredit: Wales News Service

But police say Cpl Hoole — who completed two tours of Afghanistan — died from natural causes and have ruled out criminal action.

The Rifles regiment soldier collapsed at the end of an eight-mile run in the Brecon Beacons South Wales, on July 19 — then the hottest day of the year.

His family have been told he may have had an underlying heart condition.

Dyfed Powys Police said: “The investigation has revealed the cause of death is due to natural causes.”

nintchdbpict000283184127
2
The Army is to be cleared over the soldier's death during a training exercise in the Brecon BeaconsCredit: Wales News Service

 

An Army spokesman said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Corporal Hoole.”

Cpl Hoole, of Ecclefechan, Dumfriesshire, was preparing for a training course for promotion to platoon sergeant.

Speaking previously, his dad Philip said: “It looks like there was something in the heart tissue not quite right. The truth is, my son might have dropped down dead any time.”

Three soldiers died on SAS selection in the Brecons in 2013.