Overview
- The Ministry of Defence said Hooley was fatally injured on 9 December while observing a trial of a new defensive capability at a site away from the front lines, and the incident is not assessed to be the result of hostile fire.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary John Healey paid tribute, with the MoD confirming Hooley served in the Parachute Regiment and that his family has been notified.
- Commanders described Hooley as an exceptional, “born soldier,” noting prior deployments to Afghanistan, Africa and Eastern Europe and praising his professionalism and character.
- Officials have not disclosed the system being tested, the precise location or further circumstances, reflecting the limited public detail traditionally provided about UK activities in Ukraine.
- The government has previously acknowledged a small number of UK personnel in Ukraine in non-combat roles supporting Ukrainian forces and providing diplomatic security.