Brecon Beacons: Soldier dies during training exercise in Wales

Josh Hoole's death comes three years after SAS hopefuls died in similar circumstances

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A soldier has died during a training exercise in the Brecon Beacons in Wales, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

Josh Hoole, a non-commissioned officer, collapsed during a training exercise on Tuesday, which was the hottest day of the year so far.

Mr Hoole's family have described the 26-year-old as a “beautiful grandson” and a “superfit boy”.

His grandfather, John Craig, said: "He was a beautiful grandson.

"He was a dedicated soldier. He always wanted to be top dog. He was a superfit boy, he kept very fit."

Mr Hoole, a member of The Rifles regiment, got into serious difficulties at around 9am when temperatures had already begun to rise above 25°C.

He was taking part in a seven-week promotion course to become a platoon sergeant.

An Army spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a soldier from ITC [Infantry Training Centre] Catterick died on 19 July while conducting pre-course training for the Platoon Sergeants' Battle Course in Brecon.”

The Army describes the course as “one of the toughest training courses the Army offers”.

The death comes three years after three young soldiers undergoing the SAS selection process died on the Brecon Beacons during one of the hottest days of 2013 when temperatures reached 27°C.

Their deaths were due to a catalogue of “serious mistakes and systemic failures”, an inquest into the deaths ruled.