Young soldier dies in Barnstaple BMW crash

Tributes have been paid to a young soldier who died in a crash near Barnstaple[1].

20-year-old Joshua Ainsworth crashed in a BMW on the A361 in the early hours of Sunday, November 19[2]. A road closure was in place near Heanton Court while emergency services dealt with the single-vehicle collision. Joshua, from Powys, Wales, sustained serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene which was close to the military base he was posted at.

Joshua's family announced details of his family, which will be held at All Saints Church in Newtown, Wales at midday on Thursday, December 14, followed by a burial service at Pentre Chapel, Mochdre. The service and burial will be live streamed for anyone who cannot attend, the County Times[3] reports. The family have asked for no flowers, but any donations are made to N-Able Newtown Powys, and The Royal Engineers Association.

Mayor of Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Cllr John Byrne paid tribute to the soldier, saying that the town can be proud of his service to others. "It is with great sadness that we learn this week of the death of Newtown serviceman Joshua Ainsworth in a vehicle accident close to his military posting near Barnstaple. "It was only a few days ago that Joshua joined this community in our Remembrance Sunday parade, which reminds us that we can be proud of his selflessness in the service of others.

"Your town council has worked closely with his family through their leadership of the Army Cadets at recent town events and on behalf of the community we feel for them, and support them, in their loss."

Devon and Cornwall Police appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage that could help with their investigation.

References

1. ^ Barnstaple (www.devonlive.com)
2. ^ A361 in the early hours of Sunday, November 19 (www.devonlive.com)
3. ^ County Times (www.countytimes.co.uk)