The Queen's guardsman who accompanied her coffin at state funeral found dead 'unexpectedly'

Just before 4 o'clock on Wednesday, Jack Burnell-Williams, an 18-year-old Household Cavalry soldier, was discovered unconscious at Hyde Park Barracks in London, according to the Army.

Gone too soon

People magazine confirms that the teenage guardsman served with the Household Cavalry as one of their newest recruits and walked the Queen's coffin from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch. An army spokesperson told The Guardian:

It is with sadness that we can confirm the death of Trooper Jack Burnell-Williams on 28 September 2022 at Hyde Park Barracks.

Our thoughts are with the soldier's family and friends at this difficult time and we ask that their privacy is respected.

According to the Metropolitan Police, the death of the soldier has been referred to the coroner, confirms Independent. Burnell-Williams’ death was unexpected, but the police said they are not investigating it further or treating it as suspicious.

Family mourns

The soldier, who served in the Blues and Royals regiment, is said to have participated in several formal occasions during the period of official state mourning for the late monarch.

His family and friends are ‘heartbroken’ at losing their loved one so soon. His mother posted a status on Facebook – which was later removed or privatised – and said:

Never ever thought I would be saying this but we as a family are all heartbroken with the sudden passing of our wonderful son Jak Williams yesterday.

Meanwhile, his sister Elisha is organising a gathering to pay tribute to the soldier. In his honour, blue balloons will be released tomorrow at 4 p.m. at the Bryntirion Football Club in Bridgend, South Wales. Elisha shared:

We will get through this together as a team. We need to do him just as proud as he's done us.

Please spread the word and join us in celebrating my boys life. Blue colours to be worn preferably and also blue balloons.

Sources Used

People Magazine: Guardsman from Queen Elizabeth II's Funeral Found Dead at Army Barracks in London

The Guardian: Soldier, 18, found dead at Hyde Park barracks in London

Independent: Guardsman, 18, who ‘walked beside Queen’s coffin at funeral’ found dead at barracks

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