The family of a soldier from Glasgow who died while on deployment in Poland has spoken of their heartbreak.
Corporal Ryan Lovatt fell from a seventh-floor balcony at a hotel in Warsaw and died from his injuries on August 1, 2019.
The 25-year-old's family has said they 'never would've expected for him to be hurt on a deployment'.
Speaking ahead of an inquest into his death due to start on Wednesday, the family said they were 'devastated' by the loss of their son.
They added: "We never would’ve expected for him to be hurt on a deployment like this.
“It took well over a year before we received any documentation from the Ministry of Defence surrounding his death. As a family we have many questions surrounding the circumstances of Ryan’s death and hope that the inquest will provide us with answers.”
Ryan was a Corporal in 2 Close Support Battalion of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. At the time of his death, he had been deployed to participate in diplomatic services with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards as part of Operation Cabrit
Stephanie Clark, the lawyer representing Ryan’s family, said: “This is a difficult time for Ryan’s family in which they’re still processing the circumstances of his death. While it’s vital the most thorough investigation takes place, not knowing all of the reasons surrounding Ryan’s death has been incredibly difficult.
“We’re continuing to support Ryan’s family and are determined to provide them with the answers that they deserve.
“If during the course of the inquest issues surrounding Ryan’s death are identified it’s vital that lessons are learned to improve safety of service personnel."
An Inquest into Ryan's death is due to take place on 23 June, at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court in Oxford.
