Serviceman named

[Jimmy]

the serviceman killed in a traffic accident in Kabul was named as Private Leigh Reeves, 25 from Leicester (and a family friend) R.I.P buddy

[Bert]

R.I.P

I have ultimate respect for anyone that is in the army/navy etc, as it's something i could never ever do. But to die in a job they love is just really sad.

[Jimmy]

yea i'm not sure if its better or worse that is was an accident and not in combat

[Dr The Singh]

As a servant of his country, I salute him!!!!

My condolences to his family!!!!!

[golden gordon]

another terrible tragedy, our thoughts are with his family at this unhappy time

[Thracian]

The sort of sacrifice that should never be taken for granted or forgotten. He has my respect and his family my heartfelt sympathy. Losing any family member is gutwrenching but to lose a 25-year-old son or close relative leaves a gap that will never be filled and a scar that will never heal. RIP

[Shum]

Massive respect.

RIP.

[lookwhaticando]

R.I.P

I have ultimate respect for anyone that is in the army/navy etc, as it's something i could never ever do. But to die in a job they love is just really sad.

I'm with you on that one.

Greatest respect for those who choose to serve their country - and continue to do so, despite facing difficult tasks often in the most challenging circumstances.

A tragic loss for the family.

In terms of deaths on duty, I think accidents are possibly the cruelest way to die. Accidents are often preventable, making deaths all the more tragic.

It's no consolation to the family/friends one way or the other - a death is a death no matter how you look at it.

R.I.P. Pvt. Leigh Reeves

[LCFC-IAN]

RIP

[Jimmy]

for those that had the chance to see it there is a nice piece on page 2 of today's mercury about Leigh.

my brother was his best mate for many years and spoke to his dad today, can i just say this on their behalf, BBC and ITV news leave them alone to grieve in piece.

his funeral will be held soon unfortunately i cannot go but my mother and brother will.

Leigh, we are now and forever will be proud of you and will miss you always

[Jimmy]

for those that missed it or live outside leicester here's the artical

SOLIDER IS KILLED LIVING HIS DREAM

A devastated couple today paid tribute to their soldier son who was killed in a road accident in Afghanistan.

Private Leigh Reeves, 25, from Thurnby, Leicester, a driver with the Royal Logistic Corps, died in the crash in Kabul, on Wednesday.

It is believed two vehicles were involved in the incident in Camp Souter, although further details have not been released.

Leigh's heartbroken parents, Melvyn and Bev, today spoke of their pride for their oldest son who had been "living the dream" in the army.

They learned the news of his death while celebrating Melvyn's 50th birthday on Wednesday afternoon.

Melvyn said: "I was in the house decorating and Bev was cooking the dinner. We thought we would have a Chinese as a special surprise for the boys.

"Then I saw an Army bloke pull up outside. I knew he wasn't going to tell me Leigh had broken his leg or something. He told us the news.

"We as a family see enough tragedy in this world. Now we know we are part of that. It's not been nice, but we have to be strong as a family. Since the news broke we have been inundated with people coming and saying how sorry they are."

Leigh's body will be flown back to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on Monday, when his family will attend a short service. Funeral details have yet to be arranged.

Leigh had been in Afghanistan since March. His father said he signed up because he wanted to make something of his life.

He said: "He decided he wanted to prove things to himself. He said 'What have I got to look forward to here, stacking shelves in a shop or something?'

"He loved what he was doing. He used to put his arms around his mum and say he was living the dream. We are proud of what he's done."

Bev said: "He was the best. He decided to do something with his life - he proved it to us."

Leigh, who previously worked as a porter at Leicester Royal Infirmary, leaves two younger brothers, Gary and Jason. He was a Leicester City season-ticket holder, attending games with his father and Jason.

Leigh's colleagues at Camp Souter have created a temporary memorial with flowers and a photograph. His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Winstanley, of the Grenadier Guards, said he was "one of those larger than life characters" every unit needed.

He said: "This tragic accident has deprived the Battalion of a high-calibre soldier who will be sorely missed.

"Leigh was an extremely popular member of the troop and was immensely liked by all that knew him. His wicked sense of humour and happy-go-lucky outlook always helped boost morale, particularly during his deployment in Afghanistan.

"He lived for his mates and the camaraderie that came with service life."

He said Leigh always had a "quick-witted riposte" when he was the butt of troop jokes about Leicester City's poor form.

The camp is home to the British military contingent serving with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

An ISAF spokesman said an investigation into the cause of the accident was ongoing.

A total of 11 servicemen have lost their lives in Afghanistan in the past two months. Rifleman Private Adam Morris, 19, from Hugglescote, near Coal-ville, was killed in a roadside attack in Iraq in May.

http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/disp...rPk=77465#views

[Bert]

What makes this worse is:

They learned the news of his death while celebrating Melvyn's 50th birthday on Wednesday afternoon.

[Jimmy]

bev and melv are so friendly its untrue, never heard them (or leigh) say a bad word about anyone

[leicester1884]

R.I.P - A true hero.

Knew the lad when at school & he was proper Leicester through and through.

Deepest sympathies to all family and friends.

Lest we forget.