Coldstream Guards soldier killed in Surrey traffic accident
Ben Regan, who took part in the Trooping of the Colour last week, was killed after he was struck by a car in Reigate, Surrey
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A man killed when he was hit by a car in a Surrey town was a soldier from the Coldstream Guards who took part in the Trooping of the Colour, according to a friend of the victim.
Ben Regan, 20, was killed in an apparent hit-and-run incident in the early hours of Saturday morning in Reigate.
He was hit by a grey or light-coloured car and died at the scene, according to Surrey police.
Friends at Dorking rugby club, where Mr Regan played for the under-21s team, said he was an "exceptional young man" and they are devastated by his death.
"It is desperately sad. He was a very nice, lively, quirky, loveable man. I've known him since he was a little lad, he was always very loveable and he turned into an exceptional young man," said Paul Mosley, a vice president at the rugby club.
"He was in the Coldstream Guards and in the Trooping of the Colour last week. It was a proud occasion for his whole family."
The Trooping of the Colour is an annual celebration marking the Queen's birthday. The Coldstream Guards are one of seven regiments that serve as personal troops to the Queen.
Mr Mosley said of Mr Regan: "He was proud to serve and he would have been looking forward to serving his country abroad. He had really taken to life in the Army. He was very sporty and it opened up huge horizons for him.
"He was a clever boy with a good heart. He is going to be so missed."
A man has been arrested in connection with the incident, according to the police. The man, said to be in his mid-twenties, has been released on police bail until August.
An army spokesman confirmed that a serving member of the Coldstream Guards had been involved in a road traffic incident and that his family and friends had been notified.
(Additional reporting by PA)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments