For completeness, in case anyone reading this topic on the Coffee Shop forum cannot link to that news story in the
Plymouth Herald from their mobile device:
Mum of Royal Marines recruit Connor Clark releases heartbreaking tribute after young commando found dead near Devon training camp
Detectives have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the young recruits death just weeks after starting his commando training
A Royal Marines recruit has been found dead on the railway track near Devon's Commando Training Camp at Lympstone amid claims of bullying.
Detectives are investigating the suspected suicide of Connor Clark just weeks into starting his commando course.
The probe is being led by British Transport Police, whose officers were called to the railway line early on Saturday morning.
Passers-by had reported seeing a body and paramedics were also dispatched. Mr Clark was declared dead at the scene.
He had apparently scaled a fence to gain access to the Exeter to Exmouth line near the commando training centre in Lympstone.
In a heartbreaking tribute on Facebook, his mother Tracy Clark said: "Yesterday this beautiful son, brother and friend Connor Clark tragically took his own life whilst following his dream during Royal Marines commando training. I spoke to him ten hours prior and there were no signs. Anyone who knows us will know how beautifully close we were. I write this with a broken heart and solely to share as a warning. Hug your precious kids close."
British Transport Police said they were called to the line near Lympstone Village railway station at 7.23am on Saturday following reports of a casualty on the tracks. Paramedics also attended, however sadly a man was pronounced dead at the scene,” a spokesperson said. "This incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
His fellow recruits and their instructors will be interviewed as part of the criminal probe into his death. Senior officers have pledged full cooperation.
Recruits are reported to have expressed concern about their treatment by instructors before the tragedy.
Royal Navy sources said senior officers were 'open-minded' about the possible causes and an internal inquiry had been launched.
The commando centre on the banks of the Exe estuary is the Royal Marines' principal training base. Each year, an average of 1,300 recruits and 400 potential officers attend its gruelling courses.
Defence officials said the thoughts and sympathies of the Naval Service were with Mr Clark's friends and family.
In a statement for the Ministry of Defence a spokesman said: "We can confirm that Recruit Connor Clark died on June 12, 2021. His next of kin have been informed. It would be inappropriate for us to comment further."
Mr Clark is understood to have started his training at the end of last month. For the first period of the 32-week course recruits live together in a large room and their instructors are billeted nearby.
They are supported as they try to adapt to military life and win a coveted green beret. But sources say the mentoring system, which involves senior Marines offering one-to-one help, has been compromised by the pandemic.
Our commiserations here on the forum are with the family and friends of Connor Clark.
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