THE family of a young Blackburn woman who died during a training exercise two days after starting with the Army have said she was ‘doing the thing she loved’.

Megan Park, 21, who was also known as Megan Goy, collapsed and later died at the Pirbright training complex in Surrey on Wednesday.

She had only begun her training on Monday.

Her family, of Lane House Close, Livesey, released a statement which made clear their daughter’s determination to become a soldier.

It 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.”

The Army has said an investigation has begun into the circumstances surrounding Megan’s death.

Surrey police said that there was no indication of any third party involvement in her death and the matter would be passed on to the coroners’ office.

Dean Logan is the head teacher of Megan’s former school, Witton Park Academy.

He said: “The school staff were saddened on hearing the news of Megan’s death.

“Staff who taught Megan and particularly Megan’s head of year, Mrs Hughes, remember Megan as a polite, hard working young person willing and keen to involve herself in many activities.

“As an individual Megan knew want she wanted to achieve and being in the Army was one of her ambitions.

“Megan’s focus on her studies reflected her determination to be successful in her future career. Our sympathy goes to Megan’s family at this sad time.”

Prior to fulfilling her dream of training to be a soldier, Megan had been a popular and valued member of staff at Matalan in Blackburn.

Rebecca Hewitt, the current store manager, knew Megan well. She said: “The heartfelt condolences of everyone at Matalan go out to Megan’s family. Everyone she worked with at our Blackburn store had heard from her about how much joining the Army meant to her – it really was her dream job.”