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Royal Marine trainee dies on 30-mile march in Dartmoor, confirms Ministry of Defence

The man died during the so-called '30-miler' march across upland Dartmoor

Tom Brooks-Pollock
Monday 01 June 2015 16:35 BST
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Valley of West Dart, near Wistman's Wood, in Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Valley of West Dart, near Wistman's Wood, in Dartmoor National Park, Devon (David and Judy Lomax/REX)

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A Royal Marine trainee has collapsed and died on an exercise in Dartmoor.

The man, who has not been named, was taking part in a 30-mile march - known as a '30-miler' - in Devon when he was taken ill.

An Ministry of the Defence (MoD) spokesman said the cause of the man's death was unknown.

He said: “This incident is being investigated and the thoughts and sympathies of the Naval Service are with the family and friends of this man.”

The man, based at the the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone, Devon, died on Thursday during the march across upland Dartmoor, the last major test undertaken as part of the 32-week Commando course.

The trainee was taking part in a '30-miler', a march that is the last major test of the 32-week Royal Marine commando course
The trainee was taking part in a '30-miler', a march that is the last major test of the 32-week Royal Marine commando course

Trainees must navigate the route themselves and complete it within eight hours while carrying additional safety equipment.

The MoD said the name and details of the man who died were not being released, at the request of his family.

His death was announced on Monday, as an inquest opens into the death of three army reservists taking part in an SAS training exercise in Wales two years ago.

Three trainees died in 2013 during a training regime near the Storey Arms Centre in Brecon Beacons, amid some of the hottest weather of the year with temperatures as high as 29.5C
Three trainees died in 2013 during a training regime near the Storey Arms Centre in Brecon Beacons, amid some of the hottest weather of the year with temperatures as high as 29.5C (Google)

In July 2013, army reservists Edward Maher, Craig Roberts and James Dunsby died after collapsing during an SAS training exercise in the Brecon Beacon in Wales.

A number of other soldiers taking part in the programme that day, when temperatures hit 29C (84F), also collapsed and needed medical attention.

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