Army Sergeant Was Subject of Police Probe Before Tragic Death, Inquest Hears
An Army sergeant who was found dead on a remote hillside near his barracks was under police investigation at the time of his disappearance, a coroner's court has been told. Sergeant Alex Cairnie, aged 30, was serving with the Queen's Royal Hussars regiment when he went missing from Tidworth Camp in Wiltshire.
Timeline of Events Leading to Discovery
Wiltshire Police launched a missing person inquiry on July 6, 2025, after Sergeant Cairnie left the military base. His body was discovered two days later by a bird watcher on Warren Hill, a secluded area near Tidworth. The inquest at Wiltshire and Swindon Coroner's Court heard that details of the police investigation into Cairnie were not disclosed during the proceedings.
Senior coroner David Ridley stated that Cairnie had been interviewed at a police station in Swindon just days before his death. Summarising evidence from Cairnie's wife, Lucy, Ridley explained, "You then become aware that there had become police involvement and Alex was the subject of an investigation." He added that due to unspecified restrictions, Cairnie could not return to his usual accommodations, leading the Army to provide him with a room elsewhere.
Army's Response and Final Communications
On July 4, after preliminary police inquiries, Cairnie was collected from the police station by his unit's adjutant and padre. He was given accommodation at Tidworth Camp, placed on the unit's at-risk register, and assigned a welfare officer, Captain Alastair Walker.
Captain Walker received a final text message from Cairnie at 5:14 PM on July 5, which read, "Just pinning my hopes on good news on Monday." When Walker attempted to contact him the next day at 12:04 PM, there was no response. After failed attempts to reach Cairnie, Walker alerted the adjutant and checked his room, finding it unoccupied. Wiltshire Police were then informed of his disappearance.
In a written statement, Captain Walker told the inquest, "I rang civilian police to inform them that Alex’s whereabouts were unknown and that the military had welfare concerns because of recent events." The last confirmed sighting of Cairnie was in Tidworth town centre on the afternoon of July 6.
Investigation Findings and Coroner's Conclusion
Police investigated Cairnie's death and found no suspicious circumstances. A post-mortem examination determined he died from hanging, with toxicology tests showing no alcohol or drugs in his system. The inquest also noted that there were no recorded mental health issues in Cairnie's medical notes.
Recording a conclusion of suicide, Coroner Ridley said, "Alex’s body was discovered on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in a remote part of Warren Hill. Alex went missing from the barracks at around midday on July 6. I think there is enough evidence on the balance of probabilities to record a suicide conclusion."
The case highlights the ongoing welfare concerns within military settings and the complexities surrounding investigations involving service personnel. The Army and police continue to review procedures to support individuals under similar circumstances.
