Tributes paid to RLC soldier who died during exercise in East Yorkshire

Tributes have been pouring in for a soldier from the Royal Logistic Corps who died while taking part in an exercise on the Driffield Training Area in East Yorkshire.

The Army said it was with "immense sadness" that it could confirm the death of 35-year-old Private Nabin Thapa of 6 Regiment RLC.

A spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with Pte Thapa's family and friends at this difficult time and we ask that their privacy is respected.

"The circumstances surrounding this death are being investigated by the civil police and it would be highly inappropriate to comment any further at this time."

Humberside Police said officers were called to reports of a man having suffered a medical episode. He was taken to hospital to receive treatment, where he died a short while later.

It said the circumstances surrounding his death were not being treated as suspicious, however, they currently remain unexplained.

Pte Thapa joined the Army in 2019, completing his basic training at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright, after which he was sent to Worthy Down near Winchester to carry out his trade training as a Logistic Specialist (Supply).

In August 2020, he was assigned to Dishforth in North Yorkshire and quickly became a valued and respected member of the regiment.

Pte Thapa completed an operational deployment to Cyprus as part of the United Nations peacekeeping force and deployed in support of the national response to Covid-19. He also deployed to Kenya and Oman.

Major Pearson-Burton, the Officer Commanding of 62 Squadron, said: "Pte Thapa was a wonderful soldier, utterly committed to his profession. In the last year alone, he deployed on several high-level events, including a highly successful deployment to Oman.

"Nabin threw everything he had into the Army. A keen sportsman, he represented 6 Regiment RLC in badminton and volleyball.

"He was fiercely competitive, especially with members of the squadron on PT, always pushing to get the best out of those around him.

"Selfless and driven, Nabin always looked out for others. Absolutely true to character, he was part of a charity event that raised a substantial amount of money for those less fortunate back in Nepal for the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

"We are proud to have served alongside this dedicated and inspiring soldier."

Corporal Limbu of 62 Sqn said: "When I first met Nabin Thapa back in 2020 whilst on my posting at 6 Regiment RLC, he seemed a very calm person with quiet nature.

"We have been through lots of hard and fast ups and downs, and many good times together. We used to eat, laugh, sing, play guitar together, which feels like just yesterday. Nabin was not only a soldier but also an artist, on another side he was a very good guitarist as well.

"Nabin was one of the most excellent soldiers I have met, full of enthusiasm. He never failed the Army and kept the standards of all the core values of Army in every aspect. He was a down-to-earth person with a very good heart who never wanted to see people around him in trouble."

Private Rai of 62 Sqn added: "Nabin was a kind, caring and loving person to his family, friends and colleagues. He showed compassion for others and was always there to help them with their problems.

"Recognised and respected by his peers and chain of command because of his work ethic and loveable personality. Nabin was a person I looked up to. It deeply saddens me to lose a big brother like him.

"He may be gone, but he will always be loved and the times we spent with him will always be cherished in our memories and heart."

6 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps describes itself as a diverse, professional and forward-looking regular regiment, with 62 Squadron being a hybrid squadron made up of drivers and logistic supply specialists.