Inquest opens after soldier found in strait

AN INQUEST has opened into the death of a much-loved soldier.

- DAVID POWELL and OWEN HUGHES

Corporal Stephen Ellis Hughes, 25, died after being found in the Menai Strait, the Caernarfon hearing was told.

Kate Robertson, senior coroner for north west Wales, said that Cpl Hughes, of Cynfal, Bethel, Caernarfon, died in Menai Bridge on August 12.

On opening the inquest yesterday, she said that there had been concerns reported for the safety of Mr Hughes.

North Wales Police officers were led to the Menai Bridge where he had been “heard to enter the water alone’.

Ms Robertson added: “Sadly his body was recovered. He was confirmed as having passed away.”

He was declared dead at 11.43pm by a paramedic. He was identified by his father.

The coroner said a postmortem examination was ordered. The cause of death is not yet known, although it is “likely” to be unnatural, added Ms Robertson.