Trooper Jack Burnell-Williams, 18, who marched in Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral procession in September 2022, was found dead at Hyde Park Barracks on Sept. 28, 2022. Family and friends say they believe he died by suicide, and an inquest has been scheduled for February 2026. The trooper’s mother is seeking answers and has called for a review of mental health support for young service members; the army says it will share internal investigation findings after the coroner’s inquiry.
Family Says 18-Year-Old Trooper Died By Suicide Days After Escorting Queen’s Coffin — Inquest Set For Feb. 2026
Jak Williams/FacebookJack Burnell-Williams
Jack Burnell-Williams, an 18-year-old trooper with the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment who marched in the procession escorting Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin on Sept. 19, 2022, was found unresponsive at Hyde Park Barracks on Sept. 28, 2022, and later pronounced dead. His family and friends now say they believe he took his own life, and an inquest into his death is scheduled for February 2026.
At the time of the death, the Metropolitan Police told People that the incident was "unexpected" but was not being treated as suspicious. The army publicly confirmed the trooper’s passing and asked for the family’s privacy to be respected.
Jak Williams/FacebookJack Burnell-Williams
Family Seeks Answers
Victoria Sedgwick, the lawyer representing Burnell-Williams’ mother, Laura Williams, said in a memo that the family’s "main priority is to fully understand what happened and, if appropriate, for changes to be made so that other families will not have to endure what she has been through." Sedgwick added that the family "greatly respects the coroner’s duty to investigate Jack’s death" and will not comment further until the inquest concludes.
"My client’s main priority is to fully understand what happened and, if appropriate, for changes to be made so that other families will not have to endure what she has been through." — Victoria Sedgwick, on behalf of Laura Williams
Context and Reaction
Burnell-Williams, a South Wales native, took part in the ceremonial escort that moved the late monarch’s coffin from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch. Colleagues described him as an "endearing character" with an "infectious smile." Details about the precise circumstances of his death remain subject to the coroner’s investigation and the planned inquest.
LOIC VENANCE/POOL/AFP via GettyMembers of the Household cavalry prepare ahead of the Procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II
The soldier’s mother has urged the army to review mental health support and safeguarding for young service members. An army spokesperson told media outlets that any internal investigation findings will be shared following the coroner’s inquiry.
Timeline
- Sept. 8, 2022: Queen Elizabeth II dies at age 96.
- Sept. 19, 2022: State funeral; Burnell-Williams marches in the procession.
- Sept. 28, 2022: Burnell-Williams is found unresponsive at Hyde Park Barracks and pronounced dead.
- Jan. 2026: Reports indicate family and friends believe he died by suicide; inquest scheduled for Feb. 2026.
Media outlets covering the case include People, The Daily Mail and The Guardian. Sedgwick and representatives did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.
Support Information
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health challenges, seek help immediately. In the United States, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for 24/7 support. For help in the UK and other countries, contact your local emergency services or national crisis lines.
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