Tributes for soldier killed in bomb blast

The family of a British soldier killed in a bomb blast in Afghanistan have paid tribute to a “true professional” who loved his job and lived life to the full.

By The Newsroom

Published 26th May 2011, 07:00 BST

Colour Serjeant Kevin Fortuna, 36, from A Company, 1st Battalion The Rifles, died on Monday on patrol in Helmand province.

The Ministry of Defence described him as a “phenomenal, irreplaceable” individual who leaves behind his wife Nia, mother Sue and brother Kris.

His family said: “Kevin was a true professional who loved his job and lived life to the full. He gave 19 loyal years to the Army and will be sadly missed by his wife, mother, family and friends.”

Colour Serjeant Fortuna was deployed to Afghanistan last month with A Company, 1st Battalion The Rifles and had been leading a patrol in the early evening of Monday when he was killed by an improvised explosive device.

The MoD said in a statement he had already been selected for promotion and was “very much a star” of the future.

Afghanistan