Body of soldier killed in traffic accident repatriated from Iraq

The body of a soldier who died in a traffic accident in Iraq has been returned to the UK.

Captain Dean Sprouting died following the incident at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, on 31 January.

The Ministry of Defence launched an investigation into hisdeathbutsaiditwasnotthe result of enemy activity.

Captain Sprouting’s body was repatriated to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire yesterday.

Prime Minister Theresa May paid tribute to the soldier in parliament yesterday. 0 Captain Dean Sprouting died on 31 January

Captain Sprouting of the Adjutant General’s Corps at the air base in Iraq was serving with Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The father of two, of Den- ny, Stirlingshire, joined the army in 1989 and had served in places including Northern Yugoslavia, Cyprus and Kosovo, Sudan, Angola and Germany.

Speaking after his death Lt Col Rob Hedderwick, Commanding Officer, The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, said: “Dean was simply one of those people whose infectious humour and enthusiasm drew others to him.

“His professional knowledge was second to none and his sage advice already something I had come to rely on.”