TRIBUTES have been paid to a senior RAF officer who died while taking part in a triathlon at RAF Brize Norton.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Christopher Moran, 54, was the second highest officer in the RAF. He was on the running leg of the event at the west Oxfordshire base on Wednesday when he was taken ill.
After collapsing he was airlifted to the John Radcliffe Hospital, but was pronounced dead later that day.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, Chief of the Air Staff, 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.
“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.”
Sir Christopher leaves behind wife Elizabeth and three children.
His event consisted of a 400-metre pool swim, a 22km bike ride and a 5km run around the air base, with about 80 competitors taking part.
The triathlon event has been held at RAF Brize Norton for the past four years.
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