Tri-Service

Royal Marine March Death Trainee Named

The Royal Marine trainee who died during an exercise on Dartmoor has been named as Lieutenant Gareth Jenkins, from Colwyn Bay in North Wales.

The officer, 25, was taking part in a 30 mile (48km) march on Thursday when he collapsed.

The so-called "30-miler" - the last major physical test of the 32-week Commando course - must be completed in under eight hours with the trainees carrying at least 15kg (32lbs) of equipment.

A spokesman for the Exeter and Greater Devon District Coroner's office confirmed there would not be an inquest into the death, with it having occurred due to natural causes.

A Royal Navy spokeswoman said in a statement: "It is with sadness and regret that we can confirm the death of Lieutenant Gareth Jenkins.. The thoughts and sympathies of the Naval Service are with his family and friends at this time."

In July 2013, British Army reservists Edward Maher, Craig Roberts and James Dunsby died after collapsing during an SAS training exercise in the Brecon Beacons in Wales.

An inquest into their deaths is currently underway.