British soldier killed while off-duty in Kenya | UK News

MoD officials have confirmed the soldier’s next of kin have been informed, but said they would not be releasing any details of his death.

BBC sources report he was attacked while on a motorcycle trip, although the precise circumstances remain unclear.

Major Kevin McCool was born on the 16th of November 1991. He commissioned from Sandhurst on the 9th of August 2014.

He saw service in Europe, the Middle East, the Falklands and Africa, and was said to have thrived in the military lifestyle.

In a statement paying tribute to the Major, his commanding officer said: ‘Kevin McCool was living his best life, doing a job he loved, with people he loved. A man of the utmost integrity, he was fearless and oozed moral courage.’

He continued: ‘Kevin McCool’s eyes shone with his spirit of adventure and with his focussed, determined nature. He was a pilgrim soul in the truest sense. Intelligent, pro-active and selfless, he was at his best and at his happiest whilst serving others and whilst facing challenges “in the arena”.

‘As a soldier, his courage and talent were proven on operations. As a leader, he had a compelling character and easy charm that all who met him warmed to. And as a man, he had a deep humility which displayed a wisdom beyond his years.

‘Spotting opportunities, restless to serve and to seek out challenges, pushing himself to the frontiers, helping others; that is how we will remember him. He was the best of us.’

Defence secretary Grant Schapps also paid trubute to the Major, saying: ‘It’s clear from the tributes of those who knew him that Major McCool was an exceptional person and an exceptional soldier, loved and respected in equal measure, who served his country with distinction.

‘My thoughts and sympathies are with his family, friends, and colleagues currently coming to terms with this most tragic loss.’

Kevin was reported to be a big family man, from a big, loving family. He is survived by his mother and father, Joseph and Joan, his brothers, Fergal and Brendan, his sisters, May, Alice and Margaret.

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