New Zealand soldier killed in Middle East

INITIAL NEWS: 18 March 2016

A New Zealand Army soldier has died in the Middle East in a non-combat incident.

Next of kin have been informed and have asked that the soldier’s name not be released at this time.

There are no suspicious circumstances related to the death, which occurred yesterday (NZ time).

The New Zealand Defence Force can advise that the soldier died at a Coalition headquarters in Jordan where he was a national liaison officer. NZDF has a number of liaison officers at headquarters throughout the Middle East and around the world.

The New Zealand Defence Force says it is offering support to the family of the deceased.

 

UPDATE: 20 March 2016

The New Zealand Defence Force has released the name of the soldier who died in a non-combat incident in the Middle East on Thursday 17 March, 2016.

He was Sergeant Paul Andrew Hartley, aged 30 from Auckland. 

Plans are underway to repatriate Sergeant Hartley so he can be reunited with his family.

When he is repatriated there will be a private ceremony with family and friends in attendance only. Sergeant Hartley’s family have asked for privacy.

The death has been referred to the Coroner.

NZDF said it had no further information to provide.

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