- Fusilier Kevin Larkin, 28, from Rhyl, North Wales, got into difficulty on River Dee
- Airlifted to hospital from banks of river near Llangollen and pronounced dead
- Soldier who had served as a reservist for five years was not on duty at the time
Fusilier Kevin Larkin, 28,(pictured while training in an undated image) was canoeing with a group of friends when he got into ‘difficulty’ on the waters of the River Dee
An Army reservist died from a suspected heart attack after falling into a freezing river from his canoe.
Fusilier Kevin Larkin, 28, from Rhyl, North Wales, was canoeing with a group of friends when he got into ‘difficulty’ on the waters.
The soldier was airlifted to hospital from the banks of the River Dee near Llangollen where he was pronounced dead.
Temperatures were as low as 2C in North Wales on Sunday when he fell into the freezing waters near the Horseshoe Falls weir.
Joiner Mr Larkin – who had served as a reservist for five years with the 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh – was not on duty at the time.
North Wales Police were said to be investigating his death.
A police spokesman said: ‘Shortly after 11am on Sunday, January 7, emergency services were called to assist a canoeist who had suffered a suspected cardiac arrest on the River Dee close to the Horseshoe Falls near Llangollen.
‘The canoeist was with a group of five people when he got into difficulty on the river.
The Joiner – who had served as a reservist for five years with the 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh – was not on active duty at the time he died. Pictured: An undated photo of Mr Larkin in a canoe
Temperatures were as low as 2C in North Wales on Sunday when he fell into the freezing waters near the Horseshoe Falls weir
‘He was conveyed to hospital and his family have been informed.’
A spokesman for the Army said: ‘We can confirm that a soldier who was serving as a Reservist with 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh has died following an incident.
‘This is currently under investigation by North Wales Police and it would be inappropriate to comment further.
‘Our thoughts remain with the family and friends at this difficult time.’
North Wales Police were said to be currently investigating Mr Larkin’s death. He is seen here canoeing in an undated image