Tri-Service

Parachute Death Soldier Named As LCpl Ali Woodford

A British soldier who died in a parachuting incident at a sky diving centre in Germany has been named as Lance Corporal Ali John Woodford.

LCpl Woodford, from 1st Battalion The Rifles, who had served in Afghanistan as a heavy machine gun operator, died on 29 September whilst taking part in a parachuting adventurous training expedition, according to his regiment.

The Army declined to comment further, saying it is investigating the incident.

LCpl Woodford, 26, from Hackney, leaves behind his wife Samantha and son Oscar John, aged 3.

Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Grist MBE Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion The Rifles said:

“Lance Corporal Ali Woodford was a remarkable force within the Battalion. A character amongst characters, he drank deep from life’s opportunities and was the first to volunteer for a testing task."

"It was typical of him to be taking up the challenge of parachuting. His bright cheerful character was one that was sought out; he was a leader with presence and drive.

"He was always a man who could offer an opinion on how to improve life; the epitome of a thinking Rifleman.

"The effort he put in on his promotion course to Lance Corporal has entered into Battalion legend; whilst never being the fastest, he was always accredited with giving the most.

"We will miss his enthusiasm, his energy and his bright view on life. He was a great team player and a man to have your back.”

Outside of work Lance Corporal Woodford was a keen golfer, an enthusiastic drum and bass fan and an aspiring DJ.

Earlier this year the Ministry of Defence released figures showing that 125 members of the UK Armed Forces have been killed in training or on exercise since 2000.

According to the statistics, a response to a Freedom of Information request released by the ministry, an average of eight military personnel have died while on training across the Army, Royal Navy and the RAF each year over the past 15.

The numbers show that deaths within the Army while on exercise account for 86 out of the 125 total.