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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Jon Brady

Probe into death of Scots soldier during heatwave continues five weeks on from barracks tragedy

The probe into the death of a Scottish soldier during some of the hottest temperatures on record is still ongoing over five weeks on the from tragedy.

Sapper Connor Morrison, 20, reportedly suffered breathing difficulties during a training exercise at Rock Barracks in Suffolk on July 21. He was taken to Ipswich Hospital by ambulance but sadly died there two days later with his mum Brigitte by his side.

An investigation into the death of Sapper Morrison, who previously lived in East Kilbride and Bishopton, is underway. It is being conducted jointly by the MoD's Defence Safety Authority, Suffolk Police, and the Health and Safety Executive.

On July 19, just two days before the barracks tragedy, a new UK record high temperature of 40.3C was recorded in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, around 100 miles away from the Ministry of Defence base where he was stationed.

Brigitte announced details of his funeral on social media this week, confirming that the service will take place in Clydebank next month. Posting publicly on Facebook, she wrote: "To all of Connor Morrison 's family and friends: Connor's funeral service will take place on 9th September, 2.30pm at Clydebank Crematorium, Crematorium Lodge, Mountblow Rd, Clydebank G81 4SL.

"We like to respectfully invite anyone who would like to say their goodbyes. In lieu of flowers we are asking for donations to either the Doncaster & Ipswich Hospital Charity or the Royal Engineers Association, details on how to donate will follow soon."

Connor Morrison was based at Rock Barracks in Sutton Heath (Google)

Connor had been training with the 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment in Suffolk at the time of this death, having previously served with cadet forces in Scotland.

In a post last month, Connor's mum paid tribute to his squaddies for the support they had offered following his death. Brigitte said: "Reading your memories about his kindness, love for life and wicked sense of humour and how much impact he had made during his way too short life is almost overwhelming. I'm so proud of what a good man you have become, Connor."

His dad Garry said his son's loss would leave "a huge gap in many lives", while a base sergeant described the young soldier as "by far one of the very best recruits".

An Army spokesperson said: "Our thoughts remain with Sapper Morrison’s family and friends at this sad time, and we ask that their privacy is respected. As his death is being investigated it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

A Suffolk Police spokesperson said: "A joint Suffolk Police and Health & Safety Executive investigation is ongoing."

An HSE spokesperson said: "We are assisting Suffolk Police and the Defence Safety Authority in their enquiries."

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