A British soldier killed on duty in Ukraine on Tuesday has been named by the Ministry of Defence. Lance Corporal George Hooley, a member of the Parachute Regiment, died in a “tragic accident” aged 28.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a statement shared on X on Wednesday: “It is with sadness that we must confirm that the member of the UK Armed Forces who died in Ukraine on Tuesday 9th December is Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment. He was 28 years old.
“Our thoughts are with Lance Corporal Hooley’s family and friends at this incredible difficult time.”
Yesterday, the MoD announced with “deep regret” that a member of the UK Armed Forces had died after being injured in a “tragic accident”, which had happened “away from the front lines”.
The soldier was “observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability” at the time of the incident.
Tributes immediately started pouring in for the soldier on Tuesday, with Defence Secretary John Healey saying he was “devastated” by the news.
He wrote on X: “Devastated by the death of a UK service person in Ukraine. My thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues as they grieve for a loved one. Our hearts go out to them.”
Today, Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to Lance Corporal George Hooley during Prime Minister’s Questions.
He said: “Lance Corporal Hooley was injured in a tragic accident away from the front lines while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability.
“His life was full of courage and determination. He served our country with honour and distinction around the world in the cause of freedom and democracy, including as part of the small number of British personnel in Ukraine.”
