Sandhurst cadet turns into newest recruit to die in obvious suicide

An officer cadet at Sandhurst has become the latest recruit to die in an apparent suicide.

Edward Milner is understood to have shot himself while returning to the prestigious military academy previously attended by Princes William and Harry.

His body was found inside a car off a country road in West Sussex. A shotgun was found in the vehicle and he was the only occupant.

Police are not treating the death as suspicious and a file was passed to the local coroner, who opened and adjourned an inquest last week.

Edward Milner (pictured) is understood to have shot himself while returning to the prestigious military academy previously attended by Princes William and Harry

Sandhurst was forced to step up its support for officer cadets after the death of Olivia Perks, 21 (pictured)

Mr Milner, an economics graduate and talented sportsman, belonged to Sandhurst’s New College and was about to start his Senior Term, the final of three 14-week stints.

Sources have told the Mail that Officer Cadet Milner, aged in his early 20s, was ‘experiencing welfare issues’. Last night the Army denied he was bullied or had reported any mistreatment by instructors.

Mr Milner, of Bepton, West Sussex, was found on May 6 after reports to the police of a car leaving the carriageway of the A286 near Midhurst.

A force spokesman said he was ‘confirmed deceased at the scene’. Senior Army officers could be called to give evidence to the coroner at a full inquest.

Officer Cadet Milner was returning to Sandhurst in Berkshire from a period of ‘leave’ ahead of his anticipated completion of the commissioning course. He is understood to have previously attended Cardiff University and leading public school Sherborne in Dorset, where he excelled at cricket and rugby.

According to official figures, the number of Army male suicides has increased since 2017, largely among those aged between 20 and 24. The suicide rate for this group was ‘significantly higher than the UK general population’, according to Ministry of Defence analysis. Last year, there were seven confirmed suicides in the Armed Forces compared to one in 2018.

Ms Perks was found in her room at the academy after what was described as a ‘complete breakdown in welfare support’ 

Police are not treating the death as suspicious and a file was passed to the local coroner, who opened and adjourned an inquest last week. Pictured, Army Officer cadets stand on parade in front of the Old College

Sandhurst was forced to step up its support for officer cadets after the death of Olivia Perks, 21. She was found in her room at the academy after what was described as a ‘complete breakdown in welfare support’.

An inquest heard that senior officers missed multiple opportunities to intervene as her mental health deteriorated.

Two instructors were dismissed after a probe which also revealed a shocking number of sexual encounters between officer cadets and staff.

Mr Milner’s family has declined to comment. Last night the MoD said: ‘The circumstances surrounding his death are being looked into by the coroner and it would be inappropriate to comment any further.’

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org