 The Press Association -- The mother of an SAS soldier who died in a Puma helicopter crash in Iraq has spoken of her "aching loss".
Lee Fitzsimmons, 26, from Peterborough was one of two SAS soldiers killed when the aircraft crashed in Baghdad last year.
He can be named for the first time after a court order was lifted.
The Puma came down near Salman Pak on the outskirts of the Iraqi capital on November 20 killing two and injuring 12.
His mother Jacqui Auty said she had been in "absolute hell" since his death.
In a statement released through solicitors McKay Law, she said: "The last few months have been absolute hell. Inside, I still can't believe that it has happened and that I'll never see or hold Lee again.
"It is of some small comfort knowing that he loved his job, knew the risks, and wouldn't have had it any other way. It still doesn't make up for the aching loss I feel."
Mr Fitzsimmons, a keen runner, joined the Royal Marines in 1999 aged 17. He saw active service in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
His then girlfriend Michelle is 29 now and works as an assistant finance manager. They had known each other for five years. He leaves a younger sister and a brother.
Hereford Coroner David Halpern imposed the order in December but it was lifted following media applications. Two other SAS soldiers who have remained anonymous since their deaths in Iraq are also expected to be named later on Tuesday. |
