Inquest opens into army officer's death
MODThe death of a British army officer killed in a live firing training exercise is being investigated by police and health and safety inspectors, an inquest has heard.
Captain Philip Gilbert Muldowney, 25, died on 25 January after an incident at Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland.
Opening an inquest at Northumberland Coroner's Court, senior coroner Andrew Hetherington said Capt Muldowney, known as Gilbert, was undertaking a training exercise at the range in Otterburn Camp.
"An incident occurred which resulted in Gilbert suffering a gunshot wound, which is believed to have entered through his back and exited through his left shoulder," he said.
Otterburn Training Area is one of the UK's largest army training ranges.
The coroner said CPR was conducted by military medics and ambulance crews attended, but Capt Muldowney was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hetherington said the incident was being investigated by Northumbria Police, the Health and Safety Executive and the Defence Safety Authority, who are conducting a service inquiry.
He told the hearing: "In the circumstances, I formally open this inquest and adjourn to May 19 2027. However, this is very much a provisional date and we will look at an alternative listing."
Capt Muldowney's parents attended the hearing via a videolink.
The officer, who grew up in County Roscommon, Ireland, served as a fire support commander within 129 (Dragon) Battery of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery.
After his death, the Ministry of Defence said Capt Muldowney was an "immensely enthusiastic officer who embraced life with a vigour that inspired those around him".
Capt Muldowney joined the Army on 5 January 2020, commissioning into the Royal Artillery on 11 December 2020 after attending the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
