A British paratrooper has died in a "tragic accident" in Ukraine while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability. Lance Corporal George Hooley, 28, died on Tuesday morning away from the front lines. Hostile fire did not cause the incident, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The soldier served as part of a small number of British personnel deployed to Ukraine to support Ukrainian forces and provide security for the UK's diplomatic presence. L/Cpl Hooley would receive promotion to Corporal in January and already carried corporal-level responsibilities during his deployment.
Leader of the Opposition Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to L/Cpl Hooley during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, describing his life as "full of courage and determination". He said: "He served our country with honour and distinction around the world in the cause of freedom and democracy, including as part of the small number of British personnel in Ukraine."
A Distinguished Military Career
L/Cpl Hooley joined the British Army in November 2015 and completed his infantry training at Catterick in North Yorkshire. He finished top of his cohort in the Pre-Parachute Selection Course, earning the title "P Company Champion".
In October 2020, he passed the Parachute Regiment's Junior Non-Commissioned Officers' course with distinction, securing his promotion to Lance Corporal. He had previously been deployed to Afghanistan, Africa, and eastern Europe. The soldier served at Merville Barracks in Colchester.
"A Born Soldier"
His company commander delivered an extensive tribute, describing L/Cpl Hooley's exceptional character and professionalism. "If you met George Hooley, you remembered it. His energy and enthusiasm were simply extraordinary. He provided spark that lifted others, a drive that inspired, and a zest for life that reminded us all how to live with purpose and joy. And we loved him for it," the commander said.
"George had a rare gift: a deep kindness and genuine time for everyone. Whether you were a lifelong friend, a colleague, or someone he had just met, he made you feel valued. He listened – properly listened – and he cared. His door was always open, and his heart even more so," the tribute continued.
The commander added: "At work, he exemplified professionalism. George didn't just do his job; he excelled at it. A born soldier, he set the standard – the other soldiers watched to learn how things should be done, he made us all better, individually and collectively."
Tributes Pour In
The Parachute Regiment issued a statement expressing their grief: "All members of The Parachute Regiment mourn his loss; however, our sorrow is nothing compared to that being felt by his family, our thoughts and prayers are with them at this incredibly difficult time."
His commanding officer stated "no doubt that he would have continued to perform at the very front of his peer-group over the coming years".
Defence Secretary John Healey said L/Cpl Hooley "served our country with distinction". During a visit to Washington DC on Wednesday to discuss the Aukus nuclear submarine programme, Healey received condolences from international counterparts.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, and to him and his family, and it is a reflection of the sacrifice and commitment that so many make around the world." Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles added: "Let me start there and also pass on my condolences to George Hooley's family. We are all very much thinking of you at this moment."
The Ministry of Defence released the first photograph of L/Cpl Hooley, describing him as an "exceptional soldier" whose future within the regiment was "incredibly bright".
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
