Nabin Thapa: Death of soldier on exercise unexplained - police

Colleagues of Nabin Thapa paid tribute to him after his death aged 35

The circumstances surrounding the death of a soldier who passed away while on a military exercise are "unexplained", police have said.

Pte Nabin Thapa 35, died on Thursday 21 September after an incident at the Driffield Training Area in East Yorkshire.

Humberside Police said they were called to reports of a "medical episode".

The death of Pte Thapa, who was based in North Yorkshire, was not being treated as suspicious, the force added.

The soldier, who was born and raised in Nepal, was a member of 6 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps, based at Dishforth Airfield.

Commanding officer Lt Col Jen Lockett said Pte Thapa's death was "devastating," adding: "He will be greatly missed."

Pte Thapa joined the Army in 2019 and was assigned to Dishforth in August 2020.

Since then he had been deployed to Cyprus and taken part in exercises in the UK and Oman.

The Defence Accident Investigation Branch is also investigating what happened at the site

A spokesperson for Humberside Police said they were called to the location in Kelleythorpe at about 13:30 BST on 21 September.

Pte Thapa was taken to hospital for treatment and died a short time later.

'Brilliant soldier'

The spokesperson said: "The circumstances surrounding his death are not being treated as suspicious however, they currently remain unexplained.

"Officers are conducting lines of enquiry with assistance from the Defence Accident Investigation Branch.

"Our thoughts remain with his family at this extremely difficult time."

An Army spokesperson said Pte Thapa, who was a keen sportsman, was conscientious and "always the first to volunteer".

"The regiment has been devastated to have lost a brilliant soldier in such difficult circumstances," they said

"His memory will be honoured in the squadron and wider regiment as a kind and caring individual; he will be sadly missed, but incredibly well remembered."

The Gurkha Welfare Trust, which Pte Thapa had previously raised funds for, also paid tribute.

Al Howard, chief executive of the charity, explained the solider had recently taken part in a fundraising challenge to support families in Nepal.

"Our thoughts are with his family, friends and his fellow soldiers," they added.