Man dies after crash that killed soldier, 18

A SECOND man died yesterday following a road accident which claimed the life of a soldier from Barnsley.

Josh Powell, 18, and the 25-year-old man, who has not yet been named, were travelling together in a silver Peugeot convertible which came off the road while negotiating a bend in Engine Lane, Shafton, last Sunday.

Trooper Powell, who was a member of the Light Dragoons, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.

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The 25-year-old man died yesterday morning in Barnsley District General Hospital.

Lt Col Sam Plant, Commanding Officer of The Light Dragoons, said: “It was with great sadness that we learnt of Trooper Powell’s untimely death in a RTA in the early hours of Sunday.

“He joined the Army in September 2011 and after completing Phase 2 training, he arrived at Robertson Barracks to join the Light Dragoons.

“He was a member of First Troop, C Squadron that was busy preparing to deploy to Canada later in the year.

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“In the short time that he has spent with the regiment, he demonstrated real potential. He was engaging, enthusiastic and eager to learn.

“Equally, he was quick to establish a network of close friends and it was clear to me that he was a real team player.

“His death is felt deeply across the length and breadth of the regimental family but our pain is nothing compared to that of his family. Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.”

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said that it is “unclear who was driving the car, but the two men are believed to have been the only occupants”.

They added: “Anyone who witnessed the incident or the car’s movements prior to it leaving the road should call South Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 218 of Sunday, May 19.”

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