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Army recruit dies during training at Pirbright Army recruit Megan Park died at Pirbright 'following her dream'
(about 2 hours later)
An Army recruit has died while undergoing initial training at Pirbright Camp, Surrey. An Army recruit who died while undergoing initial training at Pirbright Camp in Surrey has been named as Megan Park.
The female recruit was in her early 20s, although the Army has not yet named her or specified her age. Her family said Ms Park, who was in her 20s, had died "doing the thing she loved."
"The incident is being investigated and it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time," a spokeswoman said. An Army spokeswoman said the incident was being investigated and it had no further comment at this time.
The training centre in Brookwood delivers a 14-week course for recruits aged 17 or older when they enlist.The training centre in Brookwood delivers a 14-week course for recruits aged 17 or older when they enlist.
'Light physical exercise' 'Quirky personality'
"We offer our condolences to the family and ask that you respect their privacy while they come to terms with their sudden loss," the spokeswoman said. In a statement, Ms Park's family said: "It is with deepest regret that Megan's family must announce that she has sadly passed on, doing the thing she loved.
"She would have been on phase one training," she added, while confirming that the majority of recruits at the centre were "younger". "Ever since Megan was at school, she always wanted to be in the armed forces. Everybody who knew Megan was aware of this.
Jonathan Beale, BBC defence correspondent, said: "The female Army recruit who's died at Pirbright collapsed while taking part in light physical exercise - believed to have been a mile-long run or march. "She was so excited about going. It was the start of her dream job," the statement continued.
"The recruit, who has not been named, was in her early twenties." "Megan will always go on in people's memories for her lively sense of humour and her fun sarcasm and quirky personality."
A spokeswoman for the Army said: "We offer our condolences to the family and ask that you respect their privacy while they come to terms with their sudden loss."
"She would have been on phase one training," the Army added.
Jonathan Beale, BBC defence correspondent, said Ms Park: "Collapsed while taking part in physical exercise - believed to have been a mile-long run or march."
He said an Army source told the BBC the run was against the clock and not what is referred to as "a beasting" - an informal punishment exercise.He said an Army source told the BBC the run was against the clock and not what is referred to as "a beasting" - an informal punishment exercise.
The source added it was very different from the circumstances in which three Army reservists died during SAS selection training in the Brecon Beacons two years ago.The source added it was very different from the circumstances in which three Army reservists died during SAS selection training in the Brecon Beacons two years ago.
The inquest into their deaths revealed serious failings by the Army.The inquest into their deaths revealed serious failings by the Army.
Over the past 15 years there have been 125 deaths during training across all three services, including five so far this year.Over the past 15 years there have been 125 deaths during training across all three services, including five so far this year.
'Challenging and demanding''Challenging and demanding'
Surrey Police said the recruit's death was being "treated as unexplained" and at this stage there was "no indication of any third party involvement". Surrey Police said Ms Park's death was being "treated as unexplained" and at this stage there was "no indication of any third party involvement".
The force was called to the training centre in Greenwood Road at about 17:30 BST on Wednesday.The force was called to the training centre in Greenwood Road at about 17:30 BST on Wednesday.
A spokeswoman said officers were "working alongside partner agencies, including the Coroner's Office, to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident".A spokeswoman said officers were "working alongside partner agencies, including the Coroner's Office, to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident".
Pirbright is described by the Ministry of Defence as the "largest initial training site in the Army".Pirbright is described by the Ministry of Defence as the "largest initial training site in the Army".
The Army website says this training follows a common military syllabus which is both "challenging and demanding".The Army website says this training follows a common military syllabus which is both "challenging and demanding".
In addition to developing military skills, recruits have the chance to take part in a week of training in the Brecon Beacons in Wales which may include rock climbing, abseiling, caving, hiking, mountain biking and kayaking.
All female recruits over the age of 17 and all male trainees over the age of 17 pass through Pirbright, except for members of the Royal Armoured Corps, Household Cavalry, Royal Engineers and Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.All female recruits over the age of 17 and all male trainees over the age of 17 pass through Pirbright, except for members of the Royal Armoured Corps, Household Cavalry, Royal Engineers and Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.