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An 18-year-old guardsman who walked withQueen Elizabeth II’s coffin during her funeral just two weeks ago was found unresponsive Wednesday at army barracks in London.
Jack Burnell-Williams served with the Household Cavalry, having walked with the Queen’s coffin from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch, before he was found dead at Hyde Park Barracks in Knightsbridge just before 4 p.m. local time on Wednesday, perThe Guardian.
“It is with sadness that we can confirm the death of Trooper Jack Burnell-Williams on 28 September 2022 at Hyde Park Barracks,” an army spokesperson told the publication. “Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and friends at this difficult time and we ask that their privacy is respected.”
Burnell-Williams' death, while “unexpected,” is not being treated as suspicious following an inspection, Metropolitan Police shared in a statement to PEOPLE. “Officers will assist with preparing a report for the coroner.”
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“Never ever thought I would be saying this but we as a family are all heartbroken with the sudden passing of our wonderful son Jak Williams yesterday,” his mother, Laura, reportedly shared to Facebook, perThe Independent, before her posts were either privatized or removed.
Days before his child’s death, Dan Burnell shared several videos of his son — who family seemingly called “Jak” — taking part inQueen Elizabeth’s surface, alongside the caption “My son doing his duty for the queen on her final journey, so proud of you Jak Williams xx very proud father xx.”
Jak’s sister, Elisha, shared a message on Friday that the family will be letting off balloons in his memory Saturday at the Bryntirion Football Club.
“Please spread the word and join us in celebrating my boys life,” she wrote in a post. “Blue colors to be worn preferably and also blue balloons.”
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Her Majesty’s state funeral was held at Westminster Abbey in London on Sept. 19, where 2,000 leaders and royals from around the world attended. A committal service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle was then held, and the Queen was eventually buried beside her husband,Prince Philip, her father, King George VI, her mother,Queen Elizabeththe Queen Mothe,r, and her sister, Princess Margaret.
source: people.com