British Army Captain dies in Iraq’s air base, Defense Ministry launches investigation

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – A British soldier died at an army base in Iraq while on a mission to help fight the Islamic State (IS), and the Defense Ministry has launched an investigation into the incident, officials said.

The Ministry of Defense on Friday stated that Captain Dean Sprouting’s death was not the result of clashes with the enemy, and was under investigation.

The 46-year-old father of two children was killed on Jan. 31 while serving with the Adjutant General’s Corps at the Iraqi air base of Ain al-Assad in Anbar Province.

The Defense Ministry said the Royal Military Police were looking into his death. There was no involvement of firearms or suicide in his death, Defense sources said.

Captain Sprouting was from Stirlingshire’s Denny. He served in Northern Yugoslavia, Sudan, Angola, Cyprus, Kosovo, and Germany after joining the army in 1989.

He was at the Iraqi air base along with other British soldiers as part of the US-led coalition to support military operations in the fight against IS, as well as training Iraqi troops.

Captain Sprouting’s Commander, Lt. Col Rob Hedderwick, described him as an “indispensable” colleague, saying he was known for his compassionate nature.

“It is hard to do justice to a man such as Dean Sprouting with simple words. In no time at all he had become an indispensable part of the battalion, not only for his professional expertise but also for his compassionate manner and camaraderie,” Hedderwick said.

“His intelligence and sharp wit were apparent from the outset; there was an ever-present twinkle in his eye, and he would gladly admit that his youth had been full of adventure,” he added.

Hedderwick also mentioned Sprouting “was simply one of those people whose infectious humor and enthusiasm drew others to him. His professional knowledge was second to none and his sage advice already something I had come to rely on.”

Warrant Officer Tam Millsip paid tribute to Sprouting’s “warm, personable nature” and said he was a man who would put a smile on the faces of those who were around him.

Armed forces minister Mark Lancaster said, “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very difficult time.”

In December 2017, a 20-year-old US soldier, Avadon A. Chaves, from Turlock, California, also died in “a non-combat incident” at the same airbase.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany