Female soldier, 23, found hanged on Army base, inquest hears – as tributes paid to ‘beautiful girl’

A young female soldier who was described as a ‘beautiful girl’ was found hanged at an Army camp earlier this month, an inquest into her death has revealed.

Sophie Madden’s body was discovered by Kent police at Overhill Training Centre, St Martin’s Plain, near Folkestone, at 9.35 am on June 10 this year.

The 23-year-old Gunner, who was in the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, was later pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

An inquest into her death was opened in Maidstone after police had earlier said her death was not being treated as suspicious.

Ms Madden, 23, pictured just four days before her death. Her friends have paid tribute to her. Police confirmed the 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.’

The cause of death was given as suspension.

Sophie, who was believed to be a young mum, was born in Wigan and was based at Albemarle Barracks, in Stamfordham, Northumberland.

After her death was announced, friends, family and colleagues paid tribute to her on social media.

One Facebook user wrote: ‘That is absolutely tragic. Very saddened to hear such terrible news.

‘Thoughts and condolences to her family and friends. RIP young lady, may you rest in peace.’

Another added: ‘Gut wrenching to hear such sad news R.I.P taken too young. Best wishes to family, friends and colleagues.’

The female soldier was part of the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, located at Albemarle Barracks, Northumberland

In a tribute to her, 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery said: ‘It is with great sadness that the Regiment must announce the death of Gunner Sophie Madden on 10 June 2022, aged 23. Gunner Madden was a highly valued member of D Battery RHA.

 ‘Her resilience and professionalism were an example to us all, and will live on as her legacy here and across the Gunner family. Our thoughts are with her family and ask that they are given space at this difficult time.’

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.’

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.’