Soldier, 26, dies in training on Yorkshire moors

The soldier had been taking part in a non-operational three-mile run across rugged terrain with his unit near Leyburn, North Yorkshire, when he fell to the ground.

Private Michael Ihemere, from Umuodo, Nigeria, was a member of the 1st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment, who returned from serving in Afghanistan in April.

Despite efforts to resuscitate the soldier, who was based at Marne barracks in Catterick Village, he was pronounced dead at the scene on the morning of 28 August.

His likeable and kind nature immediately endeared him to those he worked with – Lieutenant Colonel Mark Ellwood MBE

A spokesman at the Mercian regimental headquarters told Channel 4 News that the next of kin had been informed.

“North Yorkshire Police are investigating this incident as per standard procedures, so we are not allowed to comment further at this time,” he added. “Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family at this time.”

The training excercise was on the Catterick garrison training area, overlooking the Yorkshire Dales national park.

A police investigation is underway, but there are no suspicious circumstances and the death is believed to have been a tragic accident.

Previous soldier deaths

The death comes weeks after the deaths of three soldiers during an SAS training exercise in the Brecon Beacons in Wales. It emerged that reservists James Dunsby, Edward John Maher and Craig John Roberts had collapsed after carrying weighted packs one of the highest mountains in Wales, Pen Y Fan, on one of the hottest days of the year.

However, the Met Office said the temperature in the Leyburn area at the time of the latest death was 17 degress Celsius.

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Ellwood MBE said: “Private Ihemere quickly established himself as a valued member of his platoon.

“He proved to be a reliable, talented and popular soldier, respected by all across the Company. His likeable and kind nature immediately endeared him to those he worked with.

“Whilst on operations, he was involved in some fierce fighting but always remained calm, did his job well and supported his friends and colleagues with resolute loyalty.”

His widow Blessing attended a memorial parade at Marne Barracks, Catterick Garrison, on Friday morning.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman confirmed that officers were called to the scene before 9am on Wednesday 28 August 2013, following a report that a 26-year-old man had collapsed at Barden Moor, Leyburn.

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

The light infantry regiment draws most of its soldiers from the Cheshire and Wirral area.