Gareth Jenkins: Royal Marine who died on Dartmoor is named

The Lieutenant died on a so-called '30-miler'

Valley of West Dart, near Wistman's Wood, in Dartmoor National Park, Devon (David and Judy Lomax/REX)

A Royal Marine trainee who collapsed and died on an exercise in Dartmoor has been named.

Lieutenant Gareth Jenkins, who was based at the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone, Devon, was taking part in a 30-mile march.

Lt Jenkins died on Thursday during the so-called "30-miler" march across upland Dartmoor, the last major test undertaken as part of the 32-week Commando course.

Trainees must navigate the route themselves and complete it within eight hours while carrying additional safety equipment.

A Royal Navy spokeswoman said in a statement: "It is with sadness and regret that we can confirm the death of Lieutenant Gareth Jenkins, a Royal Marine officer under training at the Commando Training Centre, Lympstone.

Read more: Royal marine dies on 30-mile march

"The thoughts and sympathies of the Naval Service are with his family and friends at this time.

"The incident is currently under investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further while that process continues."

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

A number of other soldiers taking part in the programme that day, when temperatures hit 29C (84F), also collapsed and needed medical attention.