A YOUNG Royal Marine who died while out running in a remote glen was training to become a mountain team leader, his commanding officer (CO) has revealed.
The body of Luke Ireland, 20, who was stationed with 45 Commando in Arbroath, was found in Glen Clova, Angus, on Friday afternoon. He had vanished the previous day after leaving a nearby hotel where his family were staying.
His disappearance sparked a search involving Tayside Police, five mountain rescue teams, three rescue dogs, search helicopters and 250 Royal Marines before his body was found the following afternoon. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.
CO of the RM Condor at Arbroath, Lieutenant Colonel Dan Cheesman, said Marine Ireland had "excelled" in his job as a gunner and his death was a "significant blow" to the base.
He also revealed the Marine had been preparing to go into the jungles of Belize for further training in the New Year.
He said: "We are deeply shocked and saddened by the early death of Royal Marine Luke Ireland in the mountains of Glen Clova." He thanked search parties for making "every effort" to find him, adding that he was "truly humbled by and grateful for the selfless actions of all those who took part, reacting with such great speed and incredible professionalism".
He said Luke had joined the Royal Marines in September 2012, and was stationed at the base in Arbroath, near his home town of Monifieth.
Lt Col Cheesman added: "He excelled in his role as a general purpose machine gunner, revelled in taking part in 45 Commando's recent exercise in California and was looking forward to deploying to Belize to conduct jungle training in the New Year. He hoped to qualify as a Royal Marines mountain leader.
"Luke's insatiable sense of humour, enthusiasm, popularity and moral courage made him an exceptional Royal Marines Commando. He will be forever remembered.
"His loss is a significant blow to 45 Commando and the Royal Marines. Our thoughts and prayers are with Marine Ireland's family and friends at this difficult time."
Mr Ireland was on leave from RM Condor when he went missing after leaving the Glen Cova Hotel to go for a run on Thursday.
The large-scale hunt was launched after Mr Ireland's father raised the alarm when his son did not return from his run.
Wearing a running vest and shorts, the Marine had headed off towards Loch Brandy at around 12.30pm but failed to make his way back.
Fears were raised for his safety overnight as temperatures overnight fell in the area, with wind chill making it equivalent to -11ÚC.
The search was bolstered by 240 Royal Marines from RM Condor who arrived to comb the Glen Doll area. Rescue teams from Braemar and Tayside were called out.
The Marine's body was discovered by search teams at around 1pm on Friday, at which point police called off the search. His remains were formally identified over the weekend.
His death is believed to have been the result of a tragic accident.
Friends of the serviceman reacted to the discovery with sadness and disbelief.
Many took to social media to pass on their condolences to his family.
Alan Craig said: "Can't believe the news I've just heard. Absolutely devastating. My thoughts go out to the Ireland family at this hard time - RIP Luke."
Grant Evatt added: "Terrible news of Royal Marine Luke Ireland. My thoughts with his folks and family in Condor."
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