Inquest Examines Harassment of Teen Soldier Before Suspected Suicide

Bombardier Ryan Mason declines to answer key questions about his behavior toward Gunner Jaysley Beck, who died in 2021 after alleged harassment.

Gunner Jaysley Beck, 19, was found dead in her living quarters at Larkhill Camp in December 2021, with an Army inquiry identifying harassment as a contributing factor in her suspected suicide.
Bombardier Ryan Mason, Beck's supervisor, sent her thousands of WhatsApp messages in the months prior to her death, some expressing romantic feelings, which Beck reportedly described as 'creepy' and 'relentless.'
During the inquest, Mason repeatedly declined to answer questions related to whether he had romantic feelings for Beck or whether he attempted to manipulate her using references to his own mental health struggles.
The inquest also heard allegations of inappropriate behavior by Mason, including an incident at a hotel that left Beck feeling 'trapped' and distressed, though Mason denied these claims.
Beck had previously reported being inappropriately touched by another senior soldier, highlighting broader concerns about harassment within the Army environment.