Tributes paid to soldier killed by lightning strike

An off-duty soldier killed by a lightning strike on top of the Mourne Mountains was today described as a dedicated professional with a promising career.

Sergeant Carl Stephenson, 29, from Yorkshire was found dead on Slieve Donard on Saturday.

He served with 218 Signal Squadron in Ballykelly, Derry, which he joined earlier this year.

Sgt Stephenson was well-known and popular and took part in climbing events for charity, friends said.

Today, the squadron’s commanding officer, Major Andy Parsons, led tributes to Sgt Stephenson.

He said: “He arrived on promotion to sergeant and his death cuts short a promising career. Extremely professional and with a great pride in his work, it is highly likely Carl would have progressed quickly through the ranks.”

His body was discovered by walkers at the entrance to a stone shelter at the summit of Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in the North.

Sgt Stephenson had a passion for the outdoors and was qualified in numerous outdoor pursuits, friends said.

A police search and rescue team was flown to the scene after the alarm was raised.

Mountain rescue teams called to the scene said Sgt Stephenson was well-equipped and carrying plenty of food.

They believe his body could have lain undiscovered for up to two days.

Maj Parsons said: “As well as his military duties – and he loved his life in the Army – Carl’s great passion was outdoor pursuits.

“Qualified in activities such as rock-climbing, canoeing, caving and hill-walking, he took every opportunity to get out and enjoy the scenery of Northern Ireland.

“If there can be any comfort in such tragedy, it is that he died while doing what he loved, spending time in the great outdoors.”

Maj Parsons said the soldier, who was not married, had made a marked impression on his colleagues during his short time in the North.

He said: “It is a testament to his character that in his short time in the squadron, he made many friends who are now acutely feeling his loss. Carl will be sorely missed by all his friends and colleagues in Northern Ireland.”

Michael Cooper, 46, from Withernsea, knew Sgt Stephenson when he worked in an amusement arcade in the town.

He said: “I’ve know Carl since he was 14. He worked for my dad for about three years. He was a jolly, happy person and easy to get on with.

“I haven’t seen him for a long time because he only came home now and again. It is very sad. You don’t expect something like this to happen.”

A post-mortem revealed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Sgt Stephenson’s death.

A date for the funeral has yet to be set.