Army 'profoundly sorry' over teen soldier's death

An 18-year-old soldier found dead in his barracks having been under stress faced an "impossible working environment", his family have said.

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Trooper Jack Burnell-Williams was found dead at Hyde Park Barracks in London on 28 September 2022, nine days after escorting Queen Elizabeth II's coffin.

An inquest at Inner West London Coroner's Court concluded on Thursday that Burnell-Williams, from Bridgend, did not have a settled intention to kill himself and was "plainly under stress" at work. His death was ruled as misadventure.

The Household Cavalry has said it is "profoundly sorry" and it "fully accepts" the coroner's verdict and the failures he identified.

Richmond said: "I'm quite satisfied that Jack's action on that day was an act of an impetuous nature."

The coroner said Burnell-Williams was "plainly under stress" because of the "frankly ridiculous hours that members of his troop were expected to work".

He added: "Whatever he did was done, in my judgment, in a moment of anguish.

"I reject the proposition that he formed a settled intention to kill himself - it was at worst a cry for help and more likely, in my view, an expression of frustration and despair."

The hearing was told that he had joined a "particularly stressful branch of the Army" and that "everyone must have been exhausted" while preparing for their ceremonial duties.

Richmond said there was a culture in the regiment of people having to "pull their weight" and that Burnell-Williams was undertaking more duties.

He had also wanted to join the Welsh Guards, the inquest heard.

His mother Laura Williams, reading a statement on behalf of her family, said: "It is clear to us that Jack tried his best to cope within an impossible working environment.

"After just turning 18 he joined the Household Cavalry where he selflessly conducted more duties than any other trooper without complaint and to serve his country.

"His dedication meant he was working gruelling working hours which meant he was exhausted and would not come home to see his friends and family."

She said her son had "all the characteristics the Army look for".

"The Army must reflect and learn from Jack's death to make life better for those serving at the Household Cavalry," she added.

In her written statement read out in court, Williams said the "light" inside her son "slowly dimmed" and his "cheeky smile faded" after he joined the Army.

The statement read: "Jack achieved more in his short lifetime than many do in a full one.

"One of our proudest moments was seeing him take part in ceremonial duties at the late Queen's funeral.

"We were all incredibly proud that he was part of such an important moment in history."

She said her son was "so happy" when he first joined the Army but "as time went on, something changed".

"When the police knocked my door, my immediate thought was that Jack had been injured and was in hospital," she said.

"When they told me what had happened, I couldn't believe it and I was in shock. I still don't feel like I have accepted Jack has gone."

His father Daniel Burnell said in a statement that his family were "so proud" that his son was involved with the state funeral, adding: "We watched him on TV with tears of joy running down my face.

"When she told me my whole world fell apart, my heart ripped from my chest. That is not a feeling any parent should ever go through," he said.

"There is so much more to Jack's life it would take forever to write it all down. He brought so much joy to everyone he met."

Brigadier Rupert Evetts, commander of the Household Cavalry, offered condolences to the family, adding: "Jack was just 18 years old, a soldier with tremendous potential and enthusiasm, who showed a real passion for serving his country.

"There are no words that can adequately express how truly sorry we are for your loss."

He said the Army "fully accepts the coroner's and the failures identified in the service inquiry report".

"We failed Jack, and we failed you. For that, we are profoundly sorry," Evetts added.

He said soldier workload has been reduced, kit preparation simplified, leadership training strengthened to foster a safer culture, and conditions improved at Hyde Park Barracks.

He added: "We owe it to Jack's memory, and to his family, to ensure that lessons are not only learned but acted upon.

"No family should have to endure what you have been through. We remain resolute in our commitment to this work."

Veterans and People Minister Louise Sandher-Jones said in a statement that Burnell-Williams' death was a "tragedy no family should have to endure".

"This inquest challenges the Army and all of us in senior leadership positions in defence to do more to protect young soldiers," she added.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]