This is the first picture of a Royal Marine recruit who died after he 'went underwater' while training on a beach.
Ethan Jones, 20, was practising a beach assault alongside his comrades at Tregantle Beach, Cornwall, when he was reportedly submerged in sea water for around five minutes.
He was rushed to Derriford Hospital by air ambulance on the evening of January 21 in a critical condition but was later pronounced dead.
A picture of Ethan was released by the MOD today as tributes were paid by his family and his military bosses.
The military said the cause of death following the incident at the beach in Cornwall was still under investigation and his family had requested privacy.
Based on the current evidence it is believed Ethan died of hypoxic encephalopathy and drowning, Plymouth Coroners' Court heard.
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Royal Marine recruit dies after beach assault drill in Cornwall
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Royal Marine critical after being pulled from water during beach assault training
A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “We can confirm the Royal Marine who was injured in an incident two weeks ago and later died was Royal Marine Recruit Ethan Jones.
“The thoughts and sympathies of the Naval Service are with the family and friends of Recruit Jones.
“The incident is still under investigation, therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further."
He was also described by the MOD in a statement as “a popular character”.
He joined the Royal Marines on May 27 to start 32 weeks of military training.
In a statement the MOD said: “Composed, astute and with an unfailing sense of humour, Ethan was a popular character – an embodiment of the Corps Values of excellence, integrity, self-discipline and humility; not only a formidable soldier, but an exemplary citizen too.”
Ethan’s family added in the statement: “Ethan died fulfilling his dream and doing something he loved.
“Joining the Royal Marine was something Ethan had wanted to do for as long as we can remember.
“He wanted to join the best of the best and challenge himself. Ethan loved the outdoor lifestyle and was looking forward to serving as a Marine on operations around the world.
“We are very proud of all that he achieved.”
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Senior Coroner Ian Arrow, for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon, formally opened and adjourned the inquest into Ethan's death at Plymouth Coroners' Court today.
According to Plymouth Live, the opening statement read out by the coroner's officer, said: "The circumstances of the death are that Ethan was a Royal Marines Commando recruit, on January 21, Ethan was out on an amphibious training exercise, he exited a landing craft and was submerged in sea water, for roughly five minutes.
"Despite intervention, CT scan showed hypoxic brain injury and EEG showed minimal brain activity. Ethan sadly passed away on January 24, 2020."
The statement notes how on the present evidence the medical cause of death has been ascertained as hypoxic encephalopathy and drowning.
Section Commander within 282 Troop Corporal Dave Wright said Ethan held a “special position” in the troop.
He recalled one exercise in which Ethan put his equipment down at the top of a hill and went back down to help another recruit.
Corp Wright said: “He is a true loss to the Royal Marines as he would have inevitably achieved much within his career.
“Recruit Jones was the embodiment of what a Commando should be.”
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