Tributes paid to 20-year-old soldier whose body was found in Peterlee woodland as funeral details are shared

Friends and comrades of a British soldier who died suddenly in East Durham have paid tribute to him as his funeral details are shared.
Trooper Ben HealyTrooper Ben Healy
Trooper Ben Healy

Ben Healy was found dead in a wooded area off Olaman Walk, in Peterlee on the morning of Sunday, January 26.

Trooper Healy, 20, was a British soldier and was part of the Light Dragoons cavalry regiment, which is based at Catterick Garrison.

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Details for his funeral have now been shared by funeral directors R. Delanoy & Sons and everyone is welcome to join the family to ‘celebrate Ben’s life’.

The regiment has paid tribute to Tpr Healy adding that he will be ‘greatly missed’.

In a tribute post on Facebook, a spokesman for The Light Dragoons said: “It is with great sadness that we must announce that Trooper Ben Healy died suddenly in the early hours of Sunday morning, January 26.

“Our deepest sympathies go to his parents and family at this difficult time.

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“Tpr Healy will be greatly missed by all members of C Squadron and the Regiment.”

The funeral will take place on Thursday, February 13, at 12pm at Our Lady of the Rosary Roman Catholic Church, in Peterlee, followed by an interment at Peterlee Cemetery.

The funeral announcement reads: “All welcome to join the family to celebrate Ben’s life at the Southside Social Club, Easington Village.

“Family flowers only. Donations to the Army Benevolent Fund.”

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Touching tributes from friends and comrades have also been made in The Light Dragoons post’s comments.

One said “Rip brother you will always be in my memory.”

Another wrote: “So sad to hear this tragic news, my heart and thoughts go out to his friends, family and brothers in arms...”

Police officers attended the wooded area in Peterlee on January 26 but have confirmed the 20-year-old’s death is not being treated as suspicious.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “We can confirm police attended the sudden death of a 20-year-old man in a wooded area near Olaman Walk, in Peterlee, at around 8am on Sunday, January 26.

“The death is being treated as non suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.”

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