The UK government has confirmed that the British service member who died in Ukraine on Tuesday was Lance Corporal George Hooley, a paratrooper serving with the Parachute Regiment. He was 28 years old.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) publicly identified the fallen soldier and expressed condolences to his family and colleagues.
“It is with sadness that we can confirm that the member of the UK Armed Forces who died in Ukraine yesterday is Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment. He was 28 years old. Our thoughts are with Lance Corporal Hooley's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time,” the ministry said.
The Ministry had on Tuesday announced the death of a British service member in Ukraine following what officials described as a “tragic accident” during a training-related activity. The incident occurred on the morning of Tuesday, 9 December.
In a formal statement, the MoD confirmed that the soldier died while observing Ukrainian forces as they tested a new defensive capability at a location away from active front-line combat.
“It is with deep regret that we must announce that a member of the UK Armed Forces died in Ukraine this morning, Tuesday, 9 December. He was injured in a tragic accident whilst observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability, away from the front lines. The family has been notified and our thoughts are with them at this sad and difficult time,” the ministry said.
The identity of the deceased service member was not immediately released, pending further procedures and at the request of the family.
Officials did not provide details about the nature of the defensive system being tested or the exact circumstances of the accident, citing ongoing investigations.
The soldier’s presence in Ukraine was part of the UK’s ongoing support to Ukrainian defence efforts, which includes providing training, equipment, advisory assistance, and operational coordination.
While the UK maintains that its personnel are not engaged in combat roles, they have been involved in training and oversight missions designed to strengthen Ukraine’s self-defence capabilities.
Lance Corporal Hooley’s death comes at a time when the UK continues to provide military assistance to Ukraine, including training support, equipment, and intelligence cooperation.
The MoD said further information would be shared “in due course” but stressed that the immediate priority is supporting the soldier’s family.
Hooley’s name will now be formally added to the list of UK service personnel who have died while supporting Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Funeral arrangements for Lance Corporal Hooley are expected to be announced by his family at a later date.
