An Army officer recruit who collapsed and died during a rigorous training exercise was a super-fit father-of-one, it emerged today.
Rugby playing Adam Rumming, 27, died on Tuesday at an Army Officer Selection Board trial in Westbury, Wilts., which sees potential Sandhurst recruits put through their paces.
The popular sportsman, from the village of Brynaman in South Wales, was undergoing rigorous physical training when he collapsed and could not be revived.
He was taken by police helicopter to the Royal United Hospital in Bath, Somerset, but was later pronounced dead.
Mr Rumming’s devastated family, including his young daughter and partner Ann-Marie Lewis, were said to be struggling to come to terms with his death yesterday.
Lower Brynaman councillor Arwyn Woolcock, who knows Mr Rumming’s parents, said: ”The village has been knocked for six.
”I wish to express my deepest sympathy with the family. He was doing some (Army) training when he collapsed and they failed to revive him.
”I am sure the community will rally and give their support to the family.”
Mr Rumming had played in the back row for Brynaman Rugby Club, whose team is coached by his younger brother Paul Rumming.
Club steward Darren Such said the 27-year-old’s death had stunned his team-mates, his family and his girlfriend.
He said: ”It’s a close community and a lot of people are devastated. Adam was very popular – once you met him you never forgot him.
”He was quite loud and a big strapping lad.
”My thoughts go out to his family. They can’t believe it to be honest with you.
”They are totally shocked – he was away from the village at the time (of his death) and had been due to return on Tuesday night.
”He’s going to be sadly missed. I feel sorry for his family as he had a daughter as well.”
Mr Such said the rugby player’s brother was also looking to join the Army.
The team met on Tuesday following news of the death and the players are keen to carry on competing ”in honour of Adam”, Mr Such added.
Upper Brynaman councillor Helen Wyn added: ”It’s very, very sad – my condolences go out to the family.”
An Army spokesman said: ”I can confirm that a potential officer recruit attending an Army Officer Selection Board briefing at Westbury, in Wiltshire, died on January 25, having been taken ill.
”Next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
An inquest into Mr Rumming’s death was expected to be opened and adjourned at Avon Coroner’s Court yesterday.
