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Soldier Sophie Madden who died at St Martin's Plain Camp near Folkestone was found hanged
05:00, 26 June 2022
A young soldier whose body was discovered at an Army camp in Kent was found hanged, an inquest has heard.
Police and paramedics were called to the Overhill Training Centre at St Martin's Plain Camp near Folkestone and Gunner Sophie Madden was declared dead at the scene.
An inquest into the 23-year-old's death was opened in Maidstone on Tuesday this week. Police say her death is not being treated as suspicious.
Reading a statement into the record, assistant coroner Bina Patel said: "The circumstances surrounding her death were that she was found hanging at Overhill Training Centre, St Martin's Plain Camp in Kent, on June 10 and died from injuries sustained at the scene."
Cause of death was given as suspension.
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".
An Army spokesman said: "It is with sadness that we confirm the death of Gunner Sophie Madden, 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery.
"Her death is being investigated and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further.
"Our thoughts are with Gunner Madden’s family and friends at this difficult time and we ask that their privacy is respected."
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Kent Police was called to the MOD base in Cheriton at 9.35am on June 10 following the discovery of the body, and a report has been prepared for the coroner.
Adjourning the inquest to September 5 at County Hall in Maidstone, Miss Patel said: "I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sophie Madden for their loss."
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