Tormented Afghan veteran son of ex-England captain Terry Butcher is found dead AGED THREE
THE eldest son of former England football captain Terry Butcher has been found dead in the family home after suffering post traumatic stress disorder from fighting in Afghanistan.
Ex-Army officer Christopher Butcher, 35, had been involved in fierce battles with the Taliban and was undergoing treatment.
Capt Butcher and his wife Laura were on a ‘trial separation’ and he was living with his father and mother Rita, both 58, in the village of Bawdsey, Suffolk.
Police said his body was found on Monday at 8am and officers described it as a ‘sudden death’ but gave no further details.
Capt Butcher served with the Royal Artillery and had been based in Germany until he left the Army.
He was open about his mental health struggles, describing himself on Facebook as ‘just a moody bitter vet’.
He also posted a photo with the words: ‘You’ll never have friends like the ones you made at war.’
His brother Edward, 32, paid tribute to his ‘hero’ and ‘best friend’ in an emo- tional Facebook post. ‘My older brother was the best brother I can ever asked for and his death has hit the entire family hard,’ he said. ‘ Chris you were my hero, you were my best friend and you were someone I would throw myself in the way of a truck for.
‘Thank you for everything you ever taught me and I will miss you for the rest of my life, but you will never be forgotten. We know how greatly he was loved and we’re sorry that we can’t call every person who knew him to tell them.’
Capt Butcher married Laura, 39, a primary school teacher, almost eight years ago and they had lived together in Lowton, near Warrington, Cheshire. They are not thought to have any children.
A friend said: ‘Chris told us they still loved each other very much, but they were having a trial separation because of his condition, PTSD. They were finding it difficult living together – he said he
‘You were my hero’
still loved her very much and they would stay together. He moved down to stay with his mum and dad earlier this year.’
He was studying for a degree in military history at Salford university. ‘ He hoped to teach it himself one day,’ the friend added. ‘ But it all became too much for him, it’s very sad. They were such a lovely couple.’ It is understood Capt Butcher still visited Fulwood Barracks, in Preston, and was undergoing treatment for his condition.
Former colleagues also paid tributes yesterday. Soldier Kevin Day said: ‘I’m absolutely devastated about the news one of my Army officers has lost his life. You weren’t just an officer to us, you were always a good friend and someone all of us could turn to.’
Harry Wright, an ex-gunner, said: ‘Sadly, few people realise what Chris went through, and no matter how strong you are, it does affect you.’
Terry Butcher, now a TV and radio football pundit, alluded to his son’s troubles in an interview three years ago. He said: ‘unfortunately, Chris is not in a good way right now. When he told me about going into that compound in Afghanistan, feeling the bullets pinging off his helmet, well…’
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