At his London barracks, an 18-year-old Guardsman who accompanied the Queen’s coffin during her official burial procession was discovered dead.
Less than two weeks before to his death, Trooper Jack Burnell-Williams, 18, played a significant role at the Queen’s state funeral on Monday.
At 3:48 pm on Wednesday, the London Ambulance Service dispatched police and paramedics to Hyde Park Barracks in Knightsbridge, London, in an effort to save the young man.
But they were helpless, and Burnell-Williams was tragically declared dead at the scene.
Laura Williams, 42, the mother of the soldier, posted a picture of the young troop and an emotional tribute to her son, who was known to family and friends as Jak. She added: “Never ever thought I would be saying this but we as a family are all heartbroken with the sudden passing of our wonderful son Jak Williams yesterday.”
According to the Mail Online, police are not currently investigating the death as suspicious.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson reported: “An 18-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His heirs have been notified.
“The death was unexpected, it has been investigated and is not being treated as suspicious. Officers will assist with preparing a report for the coroner.”
Burnell-Williams, much to the surprise of his family and friends, guarded the late monarch’s coffin as it travelled on its last voyage earlier this month at Her Majesty’s funeral.
He was “performing his duty for the Queen on her final journey,” according to his parents, who proudly announced this.
