THE second most senior officer in the RAF died after being taken ill while doing a triathlon at RAF Brize Norton yesterday.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Christopher Moran, 54, was on the running leg of the charity event at the Oxfordshire base when he collapsed.

The father of three was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital and pronounced dead.

Chief of Air Staff Sir Stephen Dalton said: "A highly respected and courageous leader, this tragic loss comes as a huge blow to the Royal Air Force and, indeed, defence at large."

Sir Christopher was Commander-in-Chief of Air Command, a post he had held for the last 14 months.

He was also president of RAF Triathlon.

He leaves his wife Elizabeth and their two daughters, who are both at university, and a son, who is at school.

RAF chief Sir Stephen said: "It is with great sadness and shock that I announce the untimely death of Air Chief Marshal Sir Christopher Moran.

"During a distinguished career, he served in a wide number of appointments; a Harrier pilot by background, he commanded Royal Air Force Wittering and was the Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group.

"Sir Chris was also Equerry to The Duke of Edinburgh in the early 1990s.

"Most importantly, our prayers and thoughts are with his family, to whom I offer my most sincere condolences on behalf of the Royal Air Force, serving and retired."