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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Calam Pengilly

Renfrewshire soldier dies at barracks during hottest week of the year

A young soldier from Renfrewshire died during one of the hottest weeks this year.

Sapper Connor Morrison, from Bishopton, is reported to have had breathing difficulties before he collapsed during hot weather at Rock Barracks in Sutton Heath, Suffolk on July 21.

Tragically, he died a couple of days later in hospital on July 23.

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The 20-year-old, of 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, was stationed in Woodbridge, Suffolk at the time of his death.

An Army spokesperson said: "It is with sadness that we can confirm the death of a soldier on 23rd July 2022.

“Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and friends at this difficult time and we ask that their privacy is respected."

His death is being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Suffolk Police.

Temperatures that week reached highs of 40.2C in the south east of England, with overnight temperatures of 25C being recorded in some places. It is not yet known if the hot weather contributed to Connor’s death.

Suffolk Police were alerted to the incident by the ambulance crews who attended Connor. A Suffolk Constabulary spokesperson said: “We received a report from the ambulance service on July 21 reporting a male had collapsed in the Sutton area near to Woodbridge.”

A HSE spokesperson said: "HSE is aware of the incident and making enquiries.”

The former West Lowland Battalion Army Cadet Force soldier was well-liked among his peers and his death has drawn tributes from those who knew him.

A spokesperson for the West Lowland Battalion Army Cadet Force shared the following on Facebook: “The Battalion were saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former Balaklava Cadet CSM Connor Morrison yesterday.

“Connor was a well liked and respected young man who had been a member of our Erskine detachment for five years, leaving in 2020.

“He touched the lives of many of our adult instructors and cadets during his time in the ACF, and will be remembered by many as a charismatic and enthusiastic young man. He will be sorely missed.

“Our condolences are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

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