BREAKING NEWS: Sky News halts for tragic de@th announcement in major breaking news alert
Broadcaster Mast Austin interrupted his teatime show to deliver some breaking news from the Ministry of Defence.
Sky News was interrupted for a devastating de@th alert (Image: Sky News)
Sky News ground to a halt minutes into their teatime show as they issued a devastating de@th announcement. On Wednesday (September 16), Mark Austin returned to the airwaves to deliver the latest news hitting the headlines. Halfway through his show, he was forced to derail the programme for some breaking news coming from Ukraine.
He announced that the British armed forces member who died in Ukraine over the weekend has been named as Major Paul Wilks. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that the 40-year-old soldier died in a road traffic accident away from the front lines on Saturday (September 12).
He told viewers: “I’ve got some breaking news for you from the Ministry of Defence. The British soldier who died in Ukraine in a traffic accident has been named as Major Paul Wilks.” MoD went on to describe him as “an exceptionally bright and professional officer who embodied the best of the UK military.”
The small number of British personnel in the country provides security to diplomats and supports the armed forces of Ukraine. Russia’s full-scale invasion if Ukraine is in its fifth year and the conflict continues with fresh strikes on Ukraine, including at gas works and a drone attack on a station on Sunday (September 13).
The MoD went on: “He was a gifted leader who earned the admiration and respect of all those fortunate enough to have served alongside him. He was a formidable officer, colleague and friend to all those who knew him.
“Above all, Major Wilks was a proud family man and was devoted to his wife and two sons.” His Commanding Officer described him as a “man of great intellect”, who often shared his love for his family.
His commanding officer said: “It is with profound sadness that we honour the memory of Major Paul Wilks. Even in high-pressure environments, Paul maintained a sharp sense of humour and a genuine warmth that connected him to everyone in this unit.
“He was a man of great intellect, yet he remained a mate to those he served with.” Major Wilks started his career at the Intelligence Corps in 2012 after attending Sandhurst. He remained with the corps throughout his career, where he rose to the rank of major.
His former Commanding Officer said: “Paul was truly one of the finest leaders and intelligence officers I have had the privilege to work with. A rising star within intelligence, his intellect, compassion, and professionalism were matched by his humanity and care for others. He was the best of us.”
He was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal back in May.
