AN INVESTIGATION into the death of a Royal Air Force parachutist has been handed to a Government agency.

Sergeant Rachel Fisk, 32, from Carterton, died following a parachuting incident on September 2 at RAF Weston on the Green, near Bicester.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) has now reported that the force has handed over the investigation into the unexplained death, to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

An investigation was initially launched jointly with the HSE, and led by TVP under the Work-related Death Protocol.

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TVP has now concluded its investigation into offences of corporate manslaughter and gross negligence.

The HSE will continue to investigate any possible breaches under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Chief superintendent Katy Barrow-Grint said: “Thames Valley Police has now concluded its involvement in this investigation and has handed over the investigation to the HSE.

“Our thoughts remain with the family of Sergeant Fisk following this tragic incident.”

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HSE principal inspector Stephen Faulkner said: “Now that the police investigation has concluded it is important that HSE carries out its own thorough and conclusive investigation to determine the cause of this incident.

“HSE will draw upon the evidence gathered so far and call upon its own specialist investigators and independent support in what is likely to be a complex investigation.

“We continue to send our deepest sympathies to the family and those closest to Rachel Fisk during this difficult time.”

In February, at a pre-inquest review, senior coroner Darren Salter said a further review was expected to take place later in the year.

However, Mr Salter explained to Sgt Fisk’s parents, who attended the pre-inquest review via video link, that an inquest may not take place if the parachute instructor’s death results in a trial at the crown court.

If an inquest was held, it would likely be a jury inquest – as is common in cases of deaths at work.

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This story was written by Liam Rice, he joined the team in 2019 as a multimedia reporter.

Liam covers politics, travel and transport. He occasionally covers Oxford United.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Liam.rice@newsquest.co.uk

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