British Army paratrooper dies in non-operational accident

A British Army paratrooper has died while off duty in Spain.

Sergeant Dean Walton of 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment had spent several years with the Army's Red Devils display team.

Former Gurkha and special forces soldier Lance Corporal Nirmal 'Nims' Purja wrote on Facebook that he had been skydiving training with Sgt Walton in Spain when he died.

The mountaineer described Sgt Walton as someone who was "super talented and just loved what he did", adding: "He was the best of the best and a good friend."

The Red Devils and Parachute Regiment confirmed Sgt Walton's death on social media, and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) said in a statement: "It is with sadness that we can confirm the death of Sergeant Dean Walton.

"Our thoughts are with the soldier's family and friends at this difficult time and we ask that their privacy is respected."

The Red Devils tweeted to say: "It's with a heavy heart that the team has learnt of Sgt Dean Walton's passing. Our thoughts go out to all his family and friends."

The Parachute Regiment wrote on Twitter: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Sgt Dean 'Waldo' Walton of 3 PARA.

"A highly talented paratrooper with a mass of operational experience with 3 PARA and spent several years with the Red Devils Parachute Display Team. Our thoughts are with his family."