An investigation has been launched into the death of a soldier at Castlemartin RAC Range following a military exercise.

Sergeant Gavin Hillier of 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, died on Thursday (March 4), when a live firing exercise was taking place at the Castlemartin range in Pembrokeshire.

Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the site at just before 10.45 pm on March 4, with a police spokesperson stating: “Sadly, a man was pronounced dead shortly after. Our thoughts are with his family, who have been informed of the incident and are being supported by specialist officers.

“An investigation is underway led by Dyfed-Powys Police. Officers are liaising with the Health and Safety Executive and MoD.”

Sgt Hillier served in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan during his career in the Army, and in 2019 was presented with the Long Service and Good Conduct medal by the Prince of Wales.

A spokesperson for the Military of Defence said: “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this tragic time.

“An investigation is under way and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”

In a statement, Sgt Hillier’s wife Karyn said: “I thank you for the day you came into my life and made me your wife and became the father to our two beautiful boys (Declan and Connor).

“We are absolutely heartbroken and can’t express how proud we are of you. Our boys will continue to make you proud and you will forever live on through them.

“Daddy, we are not ready to say goodbye just yet so until we meet again, we love you always. Love, your heartbroken wife and boys.”

His mother, Karen Selway, said: “You made me so proud of you from the day you were born and we will be proud for always. Rest in peace my son, you will always be my little boy.”

Sgt Hillier is the fourth soldier to die at Castlemartin since 2012.