The first member of the British Armed Forces to die in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia has been pictured.

British Army paratrooper Lance Corporal George Hooley died in a ‘tragic accident’ while observing a weapons test in Ukraine on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old, who served in the Parachute Regiment, was trialling a role as Corporal ahead of his promotion next month by watching his Ukrainian counterparts test the new technology away from the front lines.

Signing off a statement with their motto, Utrinque Paratus (Ready for anything), the Parachute Regiment said: ‘Lance Corporal Hooley was an exceptional soldier, and as a result of his performance and potential, was due to be promoted to Corporal in January 2026.

‘As such, he was trusted with the responsibilities of a Corporal on this, his latest, deployment.

‘Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and members of the Parachute Regiment at this incredibly difficult time.’

Who is LCpl George Hooley?

LCpl Hooley quickly rose through the ranks after joining the army in November 2015.

He was top of his cohort before joining the distinguished Parachute Regiment and earning distinction grades, the Ministry of Defence said.

His commanding officer, said LCpl Hooley’s future ‘was incredibly bright’.

‘All members of The Parachute Regiment mourn his loss; however, our sorrow is nothing compared to that being felt by his family, our thoughts and prayers are with them at this incredibly difficult time.’

His company commander added: ‘If you met George Hooley, you remembered it. His energy and enthusiasm were simply extraordinary. He provided spark that lifted others, a drive that inspired, and a zest for life that reminded us all how to live with purpose and joy. And we loved him for it.

‘George had a rare gift: a deep kindness and genuine time for everyone. Whether you were a lifelong friend, a colleague, or someone he had just met, he made you feel valued. He listened – properly listened – and he cared. His door was always open, and his heart even more so.

‘At work, he was the model of professionalism. George didn’t just do his job; he excelled at it. A born soldier, he set the standard – the other soldiers watched to learn how things should be done, he made us all better, individually and collectively.

‘He approached every task with dedication, integrity and pride. His colleagues will tell you that he wasn’t just part of the team, he was the character within it. The glue. The laughter. The calm voice of sense. The soldier who made the hard days easy and the good days memorable.’

Speaking ahead of Prime Minister’s Questions today, Sir Keir Starmer said: ‘His life was full of courage and determination.

‘He served our country with honour and distinction around the world in the cause of freedom and democracy, including as part of the small number of British personnel in Ukraine.

‘I place his name on record today to express our gratitude and respect, and to affirm that his service will never be forgotten.’

How did George Hooley die?

The elite special forces soldier was mortally wounded on Saturday while watching a drone-related Ukrainian defence test, Defence Secretary John Healey told The Sun.

He died from his wounds on Tuesday.

More than a dozen British citizens have been killed in combat since the Russian invasion but this is thought to be the first British armed forces death confirmed by the Ministry of Defence.

The UK has previously acknowledged that a ‘small number’ of military personnel are in the country, mainly providing security for the British diplomatic presence and supporting the Ukrainian armed forces.

Defence Secretary John Healey told The Sun: ‘He was just an exceptional soldier, some paratroop regiment, and he died in a tragic accident miles from frontline when he was observing a Ukrainian operation to test new drones to try and defend Ukrainian people against this onslaught of attack against civilian targets, civilian infrastructure, and it’s a reminder to us all, about the sacrifices our people are making.

‘It was a tragic accident. It was nothing to do with Russian fire.’

His death came as Downing Street said nobody wants peace in Ukraine more than Volodymyr Zelensky and rejected Donald Trump’s criticism of Europe’s failure to ‘produce’ a peace plan.

The official said: ‘We welcome significant US efforts to bring peace to Ukraine. Nobody wants (that) more than President Zelensky.’

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