Jaysley-Louise Beck: Family pays tribute to teenage soldier found dead on military base

Grieving relatives have paid tribute to a teenage soldier who died suddenly – describing her as "the light of our life".

Gunner Jaysley-Louise Beck, 19, was found dead at Larkhill military barracks on Salisbury Plain on 15 December last year.

Another soldier, Lance Corporal of Horse, Michael Miah, 28, was discovered dead at nearby Bulford base, on the same day.

The Army has now launched an investigation into both deaths, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed to Sky News.

The military was a "huge part of Jaysley's life," her family revealed.

She was pursuing a career in the forces having completed her initial training at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, according to the Yorkshire Post.

Jaysley was a "kind and loving person" who would "go above and beyond" to help other people less fortunate, her family said.

"If there is ever a person who needs help, you could always count on Jaze to be there.

"Her compassion for others and her ability to light up the room putting a smile on anybody's face is immeasurable."

Last week her family held a "celebration of life party" to honour their beloved daughter at their pub and restaurant Manor House Oxen Park in Cumbria.

They posted details on the venue's Facebook page, inviting guests to bring a tea light candle in a jar so "we can say goodbye to the light of our life".

"A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered," they added.

Now the family are raising money for the Principle Trust Children's Charity, which provides free holidays to underprivileged, disabled and disadvantaged young people across Yorkshire.

The family wrote on their fundraising page: "We believe this charity radiates the kind of positivity that Jaysley always had helping give children their dreams back."

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "It was with sadness that we confirmed the death of Gunner Jaysley-Louise Beck at Larkhill and Lance Corporal of Horse Michael Miah at Bulford in December 2021.

"As there are ongoing investigations, it would be inappropriate to comment further, but any death is a tragedy and our sympathies remain with the families and friends of those affected."