Heartbreaking first photograph of Brit soldier killed in Ukraine after ‘tragic accident’

The first picture of the the British soldier killed on duty in Ukraine has been released by the Ministry of Defence.

Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment, 28, has now been seen for the first time in a heartbreaking photo with his dog Mabel. The soldier was due to be promoted to Corporal in 2026.

The incident happened on Tuesday morning (December 9) when the member of the armed forces was watching his Ukrainian counterparts test the new defensive capability away from the front lines.

Sir Keir Starmer named Lance Corporal Hooley today (December 10) as he paid tribute to a solider “full of courage and determination.”

At Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer 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.”

Lance Corporal Hooley was born on 12 February 1997 and joined the Army in November 2015, attending the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick where he completed the renowned Pre-Parachute Selection Course (P Company).

Completing the course top of his cohort as ‘P Company Champion’, he joined The Parachute Regiment.

The Ministry of Defence hailed Lance Corporal Hooley as an “exceptional soldier and an impressive junior leader with extensive operational experience”.

He completed The Parachute Regiment’s Junior Non-Commissioned Officers’ course in October 2020, passing with a Distinction grade, and securing promotion to the rank of Lance Corporal.

More recently, he completed the Section Commanders’ Battle Course, held at the Infantry Battle School in Brecon, again securing an impressive Distinction grade.

Heartbreakingly, Lance Corporal Hooley was due to be promoted to Corporal in January 2026. The MoD stated that he was trusted with the responsibilities of a Corporal last deployment in Ukraine.

Lance Corporal Hooley had previously deployed to Afghanistan, Africa, and Eastern Europe.

His Commanding Officer said: “Lance Corporal Hooley’s future within The Parachute Regiment was incredibly bright, and I have no doubt that he would have continued to perform at the very front of his peer-group over the coming years.

“All members of The Parachute Regiment mourn his loss; however, our sorrow is nothing compared to that being felt by his family, our thoughts and prayers are with them at this incredibly difficult time.

His Company Commander said: “If you met George Hooley, you remembered it. His energy and enthusiasm were simply extraordinary. He provided spark that lifted others, a drive that inspired, and a zest for life that reminded us all how to live with purpose and joy.

“And we loved him for it. George had a rare gift: a deep kindness and genuine time for everyone. Whether you were a lifelong friend, a colleague, or someone he had just met, he made you feel valued. He listened – properly listened – and he cared. His door was always open, and his heart even more so.

At work, he was the model of professionalism. George didn’t just do his job; he excelled at it. A born soldier, he set the standard – the other soldiers watched to learn how things should be done, he made us all better, individually and collectively.

“He approached every task with dedication, integrity and pride. His colleagues will tell you that he wasn’t just part of the team, he was the character within it. The glue. The laughter. The calm voice of sense. The soldier who made the hard days easy and the good days memorable.”

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