A British paratrooper has been killed in Ukraine in what officials are calling a "tragic accident." Lance Corporal George Hooley, 28, died Tuesday morning while observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability away from the front lines.
The Ministry of Defence released the first photo of the soldier on Wednesday, showing him with his dog Mabel. He was due to be promoted to Corporal next month.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute at Prime Minister's Questions, describing Hooley's life as «full of courage and determination.» He added: «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.»
"A born soldier"
Hooley joined the Army in November 2015 and completed his Pre-Parachute Selection Course at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick as "P Company Champion" - top of his cohort.
He passed The Parachute Regiment's Junior Non-Commissioned Officers' course in October 2020 with Distinction. He later completed the Section Commanders' Battle Course at the Infantry Battle School in Brecon, again earning Distinction.
His Company Commander provided an extensive tribute. «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,» he said.
He continued: «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.»
Exceptional service record
The MoD described Hooley as an «exceptional soldier and an impressive junior leader with extensive operational experience.» He had previously deployed to Afghanistan, Africa, and Eastern Europe.
Due to his performance and potential, Hooley was scheduled for promotion to Corporal in January 2026. He was trusted with Corporal-level responsibilities on his latest deployment in Ukraine.
His Commanding Officer stated: «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.»
The Company Commander praised his professionalism: «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.»
International condolences
United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles both expressed condolences during a meeting with UK Defence Secretary John Healey in Washington DC on Wednesday.
Hegseth said: «Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, and to him and his family, and it is a reflection of the sacrifice and commitment that so many make around the world.»
Marles added: «Let me start there and also pass on my condolences to George Hooley's family. We are all very much thinking of you at this moment.»
UK presence in Ukraine
The UK maintains a small number of military personnel in Ukraine, primarily for security of the British diplomatic presence and supporting Ukrainian armed forces. The presence of paratroopers specifically had not been previously disclosed by the government.
The Parachute Regiment, based at Merville Barracks in Colchester, released a statement expressing sorrow. «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.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
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