Soldier, 20, who always dreamed of a life in the military dies in horror car crash
Tributes have poured in for a promising young soldier fulfilling his life long dream after he died in a horror crash near his military posting.
Joshua Ainsworth, 20, crashed in a BMW on the A361 in the early hours of Sunday, November 19. A road closure was put in place closeby to Heanton Court and emergency services dealt with the single-vehicle collision, Devon Live reports. Joshua, from Powys, Wales, sustained serious injuries.
The young man reportedly died at the scene, which was close to a military base he was stationed at. His family revealed details of his funeral, which will take place at All Saints Church in Newtown, Wales, at midday on Thursday, December 14.
A soldier was killed in a car crash near his barracks just days after returning from a remembrance parade in his home town
There will be a burial service at Pentre Chapel, Mochdre. Both the service and burial will be live streamed for anyone who cannot attend, the County Times reports.
The family have requested that no flowers be given, but donations made instead to N-Able Newtown Powys, as well as 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.
He said: “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.
Joshua died died in a collision close to the military base near Barnstaple, Devon, after returning from Newtown, Powys
“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 are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage that could help with their investigation.