Death of serving Scottish soldier who collapsed during week of record-breaking heatwave probed

The death of a serving Scottish soldier who collapsed during the week of a record-breaking heatwave is being investigated.

Sapper Connor Morrison, originally from Bishopton, was reported to have suffered breathing difficulties on July 21, with the ambulance service called to Rock Barracks in Sutton Heath.

An air ambulance, land ambulance and ambulance officer vehicle attended and sapper Morrison was taken to Ipswich Hospital by land ambulance.

The soldier, of 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, died two days later on July 23.

Earlier that week, on July 19, a new UK record high temperature of 40.3C was recorded in Coningsby, Lincolnshire.

Sapper Morrison’s death is being investigated by the Defence Safety Authority alongside Suffolk Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

An Army spokesperson said: “It is with sadness that we confirm the death of sapper Connor Morrison of 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment on July 23.

“Our thoughts are with sapper Morrison’s family and friends at this difficult time, and we ask that their privacy is respected.

“As his death is being investigated it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

A Suffolk Police spokesperson said: “We received a report from the ambulance service on July 21 reporting a male had collapsed in the Sutton area near to Woodbridge.”

A spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust said: “An ambulance, ambulance officer vehicle and East Anglian Air Ambulance were called to Rock Barracks, Sutton Heath, on July 21 following reports of a man with breathing problems.

“He was transported to Ipswich Hospital by ground ambulance, attended by air ambulance crew.”

An HSE spokesperson said: “The HSE is aware of the incident and making inquiries.”

An inquest into sapper Morrison’s death is due to be held at a later date.

West Lowland Battalion Army Cadet Force, based in the south west of Scotland, wrote on Facebook that it was “saddened” to hear of the death of “former Balaklava Cadet CSM Connor Morrison”.

“Connor was a well liked and respected young man who had been member of our Erskine detachment for five years, leaving in 2020,” the post said.

“He touched the lives of many of our adult instructors and cadets during his time in the ACF, and will be remembered by many as a charismatic and enthusiastic young man.

“He will be sorely missed.

“Our condolences are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”