Family pays tribute to young military recruit from Blackburn who died on her first week of Army training

Megan Goy, also known as Megan Park, had only begun her military career on Monday.

The incident happened at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright, Surrey, where it is understood Megan, who was 21, collapsed during a training exercise on Wednesday.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The Army has confirmed that she later passed away.

An Army spokesman said: “We can confirm that a recruit has died while undergoing initial training at the Army Training Centre (ATC) Pirbright.

“The incident is being investigated and it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.

“We offer our condolences to the family and ask that you respect their privacy while they come to terms with their sudden loss.”

Ms Park's family said: "It is with deepest regret that Megan's family must announce that she has sadly passed on, doing the thing she loved.

"Ever since Megan was at school, she always wanted to be in the armed forces. Everybody who knew Megan was aware of this. She was so excited about going. It was the start of her dream job. Megan is going to be missed by so many people, friends and colleagues.

"Although she will be deeply missed her presence will always be alive. Megan will always go on in people's memories for her lively sense of humour and her fun sarcasm and quirky personality.

"The family are very grateful for all the good wishes and thoughts and just ask that people respect our privacy at this time."

Her grandfather Jim Park paid a loving tribute to Megan, of Lane House Close, Livesey.

Posting on Facebook, he said: “Devastating news of our granddaughter Megan who died suddenly yesterday while taking part in an army training course which she just joined on Monday.

“It is so heartbreaking for some one of her age to be taken so young we shall all miss her so much.

“R.I.P. Megan.xxxx.”

Mr Park was inundated with messages of support and condolence.

Typical of the comments was one from Sybil Coutts.

She said: “So sorry to hear about Megan. Our thoughts are with all of the family at this sad loss.”

Surrey Police were called to the training centre at around 5.30pm on Wednesday after Megan collapsed during training.

A police spokesman later confirmed that her death was being treated as unexplained and that there was no indication of any third party involvement.

The training centre delivers a 14 week course for recruits aged 17 or older when they enlist.

The vast majority of Army recruits in the UK pass through Pirbright to do their initial training.

Friends said Megan was a former pupil at Witton Park Academy and had worked at Matalan before joining the Army.

MORE TOP STORIES

Neighbours in Livesey said they were shocked to hear about Megan’s death.

John Jackson, 52, from nearby Leyburn Road, said: “It’s a terrible shock to this community to lose such a young lass in such a tragic way.

“It sounds like she was just starting such a valuable and exciting career and doing her family and her town proud.

“It’s terrible, terrible news.”

Another 25-year-old neighbour said: “Megan and her family are well thought of around here.

“Everyone is shocked and upset that she’s passed away so suddenly.”

When approached Megan’s family were too upset to speak and said they would be releasing a statement after meeting with the Army.

However, her mother Catriona said that reports that Megan was on a two day training exercise when she died were not correct.

The Army website says in its recruitment material that initial training follows a 14 week common military syllabus.

The course is described as both ‘challenging and demanding’.

The Army website said training at Pirbright involves a range of subjects designed to equip recruits to take their place in the modern day armed services.

In addition to military training recruits also get the opportunity to participate in a week of adventurous training in the Brecon Beacons in Wales, where activities may include rock climbing, abseiling, caving, hiking, mountain biking and kayaking.