Sky News halts for death announcement in tragic breaking news alert, tell me about this news in (https://www.dailystar.co.uk/tv/sky-news-halts-death-announcement-37670935)
17-09-2026
During a live evening broadcast, Sky News presenter Mark Austin interrupted the programme to deliver a breaking news alert regarding the death of a British soldier in Ukraine.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) identified the deceased serviceman as 40-year-old Major Paul Wilks, who died on Saturday, September 12, in a road traffic collision that occurred away from combat operations.
Key details reported in the article include:
Background and Service: Major Wilks began his military career with the Intelligence Corps in 2012 after completing training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He served throughout his career with the corps, rising through the ranks to Major, and had been awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
Role in the Region: The UK maintains a small contingent of military personnel in Ukraine who provide security for diplomatic staff and assist Ukrainian armed forces.
Tributes: The MoD and his commanding officers described him as an exceptionally bright, gifted, and professional intelligence officer known for his leadership, warmth, and sense of humor. He was also remembered above all as a devoted family man, leaving behind his wife and two sons.