Royal Welsh Regiment sniper was discovered hanged within the storage whereas on house depart, inquest advised
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A serving Welsh soldier was found hanged in the garage of his home while on leave from the British Army, an inquest has heard.
Lance Corporal Bryn Jenkins, 24, a sniper with the Royal Welsh Regiment, has been described as an ‘adventurous, thoughtful soul’ who provided ‘endless humour’.
He was a serving member of the Delta (Fire Support) Company based at Lucknow Barracks, Tidworth, but died on home leave on December 7.
The inquest heard evidence of how L/Cpl Jenkins was discovered in the garage at an address in Canton, Cardiff.
His body was identified by a friend and later taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff to undergo a post-mortem examination on December 10.
Following news of his death, tributes have flooded in for the ‘highly capable soldier’.
A post from the British Army regiment said: ‘It is with great sadness that we inform the Regimental family of the passing of Lance Corporal Bryn Jenkins, Delta Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh.
‘A highly capable soldier and a key figure within the Reconnaissance Platoon, Bryn was a qualified sniper and a talented warrior driver, affectionately earning the title “Bryn Diesel” among his peers.’
Lance Corporal Bryn Jenkins, 24, a sniper with the Royal Welsh Regiment, was found hanged in the garage of his home while on leave from the British Army, an inquest has heard
L/Cpl Jenkins has been described as an ‘adventurous, thoughtful soul’ who provided ‘endless humour’
His former Platoon Commander Captain Ed Wills-Wood described how he watched the young L/Cpl Jenkins ‘go from strength to strength’ during his time with the army
His former Platoon Commander Captain Ed Wills-Wood described how he watched the young Lance Corporal ‘go from strength to strength’ during his time with the army.
He said: ‘He was a large part of why my two years with the Platoon were easily the most enjoyable of my career.
‘I watched him go from strength to strength, qualifying as a sniper, taking on greater responsibility as a junior leader and having a positive impact on all of those around him.
‘I will always think fondly of our time together from Germany to Poland and his constant drive to improve and develop.
‘Such was his character that he was a well-known figure throughout the Battalion, and his loss will leave an unfillable hole.
‘Bryn was exactly the kind of Welshman I had hoped to work with on joining the Regiment.
‘I will miss him dearly and remember him always.’
Another tribute posted online read: ‘Bryn, I cant believe your gone. Every memory I have of you, is one of strength, desire and laughter.
‘You were a fantastic lad, and I’m so pleased that I got the chance to be a part of your journey.
‘My thoughts are with his family, especially his nan and sister and his friends at this very sad time. RIP my friend, until we meet again.’
A further tribute added: ‘Bryn had a heart of gold even as a youngster.
‘Terrible to see, my thoughts go out to the families both domestically and regimentally at this time.
‘I’ll raise a glass for you tonight kid.’
An inquest into his death was opened by South Wales Central assistant coroner Kerrie Burge at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, December 16.
A provisional cause of death was given as: ‘1A: pressure on the neck consistent with hanging.’
Assistant coroner Miss Kerrie Burge offered her condolences to L/Cpl Jenkins’s family and adjourned the Pontypridd inquest to a later date to be fixed.
- For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details
