Death of SAS trooper Nicholas Kahotea 'tragic', US Army says
Friday, 10 May 2019
The death of SAS trooper Lance Corporal Nicholas Kahotea in a joint United States-New Zealand training exercise is 'tragic', the US Army says.
Kahotea died on Wednesday night after an incident in Ardmore, the site of a specially-designed SAS training facility.
It was the first night of the planned two-week exercise, which has now been suspended following Kahotea's death.
In a statement, US Army Major Kevin Boyd said the US Army Special Operations Aviation Regiment would mourn the trooper's death.
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'[We] want to express our condolences to his family, friends and the nation of New Zealand.'
He said the loss was a tragedy for the Special Operations community, and its thoughts and prayers were with Kahotea's family and fellow troopers.
Ties between the US and NZ contingents were strong, and conducting realistic training together was an important step in ensuring unity during a crisis, he said.
Boyd was unable to comment on the circumstances leading to Kahotea's death.
An investigation into the accident had begun and police were investigating on behalf of the coroner.
The New Zealand Defence Force would also hold a separate Court of Inquiry.
It has not yet released details about how Kahotea was injured.
Chief of Army Major General John Boswell said on Thursday Kahotea was known for his dedication and reliability.
'He was an outstanding soldier and a top bloke.
'I know that his family, friends and colleagues will be keenly feeling the loss and we offer our deepest condolences.'
Defence Minister Ron Mark said Kahotea had an 'outstanding career serving his country and we will be forever grateful for his service'.
The fatality is the second to occur during military training in Auckland this year.
In March, 23-year-old Zachary Yarwood died at the Devonport Naval Base after an advanced diver training session went wrong.
In January, Singaporean actor Aloysius Pang also died during military training in New Zealand after sustaining injuries to his chest and abdomen, He was carrying out repairs inside a Singapore self-propelled Howitzer at the time.
He had been training at the Waiouru Army Camp, south of Taupō, as part of Singapore's compulsory military service.