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Soldier boyfriend of Gunner Sophie Madden dies weeks after she was found dead at Army base in Folkestone

A soldier has died just weeks after the suspected suicide of his girlfriend at an Army base in Kent.

Bombardier Ross Burnside had been in a relationship with Gunner Sophie Madden, whose body was discovered at the Overhill Training Centre at St Martin's Plain Camp near Folkestone on June 10.

Bombardier Ross Burnside died just weeks after his girlfriend, Gunner Sophie Madden, was found dead at an Army base in Folkestone Picture: 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (58508163)
Bombardier Ross Burnside died just weeks after his girlfriend, Gunner Sophie Madden, was found dead at an Army base in Folkestone Picture: 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (58508163)

An inquest into her death was opened in Maidstone later that month and heard she had been found hanged while on a training course.

The 23-year-old's death was followed just weeks later by that of her boyfriend, Bdr Burnside, who she had previously served alongside.

Bdr Burnside, who was from Sheffield and in his 20s, died on July 19.

In a statement his Regiment said: "An experienced soldier, Bombardier Burnside had served in 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery and had recently joined 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery.

"He will leave behind a legacy through those he inspired, led and deployed alongside. Gone, but not forgotten, he will be missed by the Regiment and wider Gunner family.

"Our sincere condolences are with Bombardier Burnside's family and friends."

Gunner Sophie Madden, 23, of the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, was found dead at an MOD building in Folkestone. Picture: Facebook
Gunner Sophie Madden, 23, of the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, was found dead at an MOD building in Folkestone. Picture: Facebook
Gunner Sophie Madden, 23, of the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, was found dead at an MOD building in Folkestone. Picture: Facebook
Gunner Sophie Madden, 23, of the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, was found dead at an MOD building in Folkestone. Picture: Facebook

His mother, Sheila Burnside, wrote on Facebook: "My kind, generous, funny, loud, loving son. There are no words to say how much I will miss you my darling boy.

"You left us far too soon. Forever in my heart, always in my thoughts."

Gnr Madden was born in Wigan and was based at Albemarle Barracks in Northumberland, where she served as part of the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery.

Tributes paid to her on social media by her Regiment remarked upon her "resilience and professionalism".

Detectives are not treating her death as suspicious.

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