Jack Burnell-Williams: Soldier, 18, who walked with Queen's coffin found dead in barracks
BRIDGEND, WALES: Trooper Jack Burnell-Williams, who made his parents and nation proud by performing his "duty" as he walked alongside the Queen’s coffin during the royal procession has been found dead at his barracks. The shocking news has been confirmed by the British Army, as tributes start to pour in for the "young lad." The 18-year-old guardsman, who also went by the name ‘Jak’ among his close circle was found unresponsive at Hyde Park Barracks in Knightsbridge, Central London, on Wednesday, September 28. The authorities have ruled out his death as "suspicious," but, admitted that it was "unexpected."
Burnell-Williams's mother Laura Burnell-Williams, 42, paid her son an emotional tribute in her Facebook post saying, "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."
An Army spokesperson also made a statement on the young soldier’s demise, "It is with sadness that we can confirm the death of Trooper Jack Burnell-Williams on September 28 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."
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On what may have led to his death, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said, "An 18-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed. The death was unexpected, it has been investigated and is not being treated as suspicious. Officers will assist with preparing a report for the coroner."
Burnell-Williams was serving in the Blues and Royals and is believed to be among the Household Cavalry’s newest joiners, as per Daily Mail.
In June, Burnell-Williams' mother shared footage of her son taking part in the Trooping of the Colour part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebration, and captioned, "One of the proudest days of my life.” Laura had also posted, "So proud of my boy accompanying his Queen on her final journey," on the day of the Queen’s state funeral.
While his father Daniel Burnell, 41, also shared footage on social media and images from the royal procession and wrote, "My son doing his duty for the Queen on her final journey. So proud of you Jak Williams. Very proud father."
In his loving memory and as part of the tribute, Jak’s family from Bridgend in Wales will be setting off dozens of blue balloons on Saturday, October 1, at Bryntirion Football Club.