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SAS selection soldier deaths inquest 'more tests needed' SAS selection training deaths coroner warns of MoD investigation
(about 1 hour later)
More tests will be needed on two soldiers who died during SAS selection training in the Brecon Beacons, police have said. A coroner examining the deaths of two soldiers during SAS selection training warned that the Ministry of Defence could face investigation under the Human Rights Act.
An inquest into the deaths on one of the hottest days of the year was told the cause was "unascertained". Edward Maher, 31, and Craig Roberts, 24, collapsed in soaring temperatures while on the training regime on the Brecon Beacons.
Edward John Maher died on 13 July alongside L/Cpl Craig Roberts from Conwy while climbing south Wales' highest mountain. The cause remains "unascertained".
A third soldier remains in a serious condition. Powys coroner Louise Hunt said "right to life" will play an important part in the inquest.
Giving evidence at the inquest at Brecon Law Courts in Powys, Dyfed-Powys Powys Det Insp Ieuan Wyn Jones said L/Cpl Roberts had been pronounced dead on the mountain at 17:15 BST. "The state has a duty to protect an individual's life," she said.
Almost three hours later, Mr Maher died at Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil, he said. "The importance of looking into the wider circumstances of these deaths is that Article Two of the Human Rights Act will come into play.
He added: "Post mortems have been carried out and the causes of death are unascertained. "Any verdict must incorporate failings if any are identified."
Before adjourning proceedings, she said a full inquest would examine all the circumstances leading up to the deaths and examine any failings.
Ms Hunt also said her investigation was not a "normal" inquest and any future verdict given must be independent and have the full involvement of both victims' families.
"I would also like to place on record my deepest condolences to both families," she added.
The inquest in Brecon heard the men died on 13 July as temperatures hit 29.5C.
They had been among six men rescued from the mountain. A third soldier remains in a serious condition.
Giving evidence at the inquest at Brecon Law Courts, Dyfed-Powys Powys Det Insp Ieuan Wyn Jones said L/Cpl Roberts had been pronounced dead on the mountain at 17:15 BST.
Almost three hours later, Mr Maher died at Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil.
"Post mortems have been carried out and the causes of death are unascertained," he added.
"Further investigations are being carried out.""Further investigations are being carried out."
The inquests were opened by Powys coroner Louise Hunt. Witnesses on the day described coming across two soldiers "clearly in distress" who pleaded with them for some drinking water.
Mr Maher's family had initially asked for him not to be named.
The family issued a short statement saying: "At this time of great sadness Edward's family has asked that they be left alone to grieve in private."
Witnesses on the day said they saw two soldiers "clearly in distress" who pleaded with them for some drinking water.
The pair were understood to be taking part in the aptitude training element of the course to become SAS reservists.The pair were understood to be taking part in the aptitude training element of the course to become SAS reservists.
They were climbing Pen Y Fan, the highest mountain in southern Britain, which is known for the "Fan Dance" where soldiers hoping to join the special forces march over the mountain carrying a heavy pack and a rifle, then do the route in reverse in a set time.
L/Cpl Roberts, 24, of Penrhyn Bay, had served with the Territorial Army for around five years and is understood to have served in Afghanistan and Iraq.L/Cpl Roberts, 24, of Penrhyn Bay, had served with the Territorial Army for around five years and is understood to have served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The former teaching assistant lived in London and had been due to start a job in the office of the Secretary of State for Education. A MoD statement read: "We can confirm that the coroner (Bridgend, Glamorgan Valleys and Powys) opened and adjourned an inquest into the deaths of two army reserve soldiers who died during a routine training exercise.
His father Kelvin Roberts said at the time of his death: "We are all devastated at the loss of our beloved Craig. "As this is an ongoing investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police it would be inappropriate to comment further until this process is concluded.
"This has left a massive hole in all our lives. "Our thoughts remain with the friends and families of the soldiers at this difficult time."
"We wholeheartedly supported Craig in his military endeavours and it gives us some comfort, though great sadness, that he died in the pursuit of his dream."
An MoD spokesman said: "Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
"Investigations are being carried out by Dyfed-Powys Police and the Army. We cannot comment any further until these investigations are complete."