Military investigates death of 'warm' and 'compassionate' RAF dog handler after she suffered 'serious injuries' in van collision
The Ministry of Defence is investigating the death of a 'warm' and 'compassionate' RAF Police dog handler alongside the Health and Safety Executive and police.
Corporal Rebecca Hudson, 32, died on May 23, five days after she was airlifted to hospital following 'a collision' with a van.
Lincolnshire Police said it had attended an incident on 18 May at an RAF site in Kirkby Lane, Tattershall Thorpe, in which a 32-year-old woman suffered 'serious injuries'.
The East Midlands Ambulance Service said after receiving a call at 15:23 on 18 May it sent a paramedic, a LIVES emergency responder and an ambulance. The air ambulance also attended.
'One patient was taken to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham via air ambulance,' it added.
An RAF police dog training facility is located on Kirkby Lane, around a mile-and-a-half from RAF Coningsby where Cpl Hudson was based.
In a statement, the RAF described Cpl Hudson, from Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, as 'devoted to her dogs and her teammates' and said she would be 'sorely missed'.
In a lengthy tribute, the air force said Cpl Hudson was 'renowned for her warm open nature and bubbly personality which would light up a room.'
It said she was posted to RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire after completing her training, where she was teamed with Military Working Dog Ina.
The pair went on to achieve first place at the station dog trials before Cpl Hudson was posted to RAF Coningsby, also in Lincolnshire, where she was teamed with Military Working Dog Dax. Cpl Hudson once more achieved first place in the station dog trials earning her a place at the RAF Police UK Military Working Dog Trials for a second time.
The dog handler was said to be a 'proud home-owner, a gamer and a music lover' who enjoyed karaoke .
Group Captain Samantha Bunn, provost marshal and commander air security force, said: 'The tragic loss of Cpl Bec Hudson has been profoundly felt by every single member of the RAF Police.
'Her absence will be felt for many years to come, not just by the dogs she dedicated so much time to, but the whole of the RAF Police.'
Flight Lieutenant John Davis, Officer Commanding RAF Police, RAF Coningsby:
'I am deeply saddened by the loss of Bec Hudson. She was not only a dedicated professional but also a genuinely kind and compassionate person who brought warmth and positivity to every day at work.
'Her love for dogs, her strength, and her unwavering support for those around her made her truly special. It's hard to put into words how much she'll be missed.
'She leaves behind an incredible family, and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.'
Group Captain Paul O'Grady, Station Commander, RAF Coningsby: 'The devastating loss of Cpl Bec Hudson has had a profound impact on the whole Royal Air Force Coningsby team, most keenly felt in the Military Working Dogs Section.
'Bec was one of our brightest and best. She undertook her duties as a RAF Police Dog Handler with commitment and professionalism, and with the joy of someone who was passionate about her task.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said it was supporting the coroner's office with its inquiries.
He added: 'As investigations are ongoing, we cannot comment further at this stage and ask the media and public to avoid speculation as this could cause additional distress to Cpl Hudson's family, friends and colleagues.'
The Health and Safety Executive said it would be investigating the incident 'alongside the relevant authorities'.
A spokesman said The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act) applies to the Ministry of Defence (MOD), its agencies and the armed forces within Great Britain.'
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