‘Likeable’ soldier dies after collapsing on three-mile run

Private Michael Ihemere, of 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment, was on a three-mile run with his unit on Army-controlled Catterick ranges when he collapsed at Barden Moor, near Leyburn, North Yorkshire.

The married soldier, originally from Umuodo in Nigeria, was treated by paramedics but pronounced dead at the scene.

He had recently returned from a six-month tour of Afghanistan, where he served with C Company in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand province. His widow, Blessing, was among the mourners in attendance at a memorial parade held for him at Catterick Garrison’s Marne Barracks yesterday following his death on Wednesday.

Pte Ihemere’s commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Mark Ellwood said he had quickly established himself as a valued member of his platoon after joining the Army in November 2011.

“He proved to be a reliable, talented and popular soldier, respected by all across the company,” he said.

“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.

“Private Ihemere showed early signs that he had the potential to progress in the Army and had a bright future.

“His loss will be keenly felt across the battalion and the thoughts, prayers and sympathies of all those that had the pleasure to know Private Ihemere are with his wife and family at this difficult time.”

North Yorkshire Police are investigating the death, although 
it is not being treated as suspicious.

A force spokesman said: “Officers were called just before 9am on Wednesday August 28, 2013, following a report that a 26-year-old man, serving in the military, had collapsed at Barden Moor, Leyburn.

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

“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.”

It is understood the British Army’s Land Accidents Investigation Team has also launched an inquiry into the incident, which comes just weeks after the deaths of three reservists on an SAS training exercise in the Brecon Beacons.

Corporal James Dunsby, Lance Corporal Craig Roberts and Trooper Eddie Maher were carrying weighted packs while attempting to cross the Pen y Fan mountain on one of the hottest days of the year.

Trooper Maher, 31, and L/Cpl Roberts, 24, died after collapsing on the 40-mile hike on July 13, when temperatures reached 30C. Cpl Dunsby, 31, died 17 days later

Conditions in North Yorkshire were much cooler on Wednesday, around 17C with a slight breeze.

It was not clear if soldiers were carrying heavy loads in this exercise.

The Ministry of Defence said its thoughts were with Pte Ihemere’s family but it could not comment further owing to the police investigation.