AN Army sergeant who vanished from his barracks died by suicide after finding out he was facing criminal charges, an inquest heard.
was found hanged in a “remote location” just days after criminal proceedings were brought against him.
Alex Cairnie was found hanged in a ‘remote location’ just days after criminal proceedings were brought against himCredit: Jam Press/Wiltshire Police
The 30-year-old vanished – triggering a frantic search – before he was discovered near Tidworth Barracks in Wiltshire, where he was stationedCredit: Solent
He was told that he was facing criminal charges – the nature of which were not disclosedCredit: Jam Press/Wiltshire Police
The 30-year-old vanished – triggering a frantic search – before he was discovered near Tidworth Barracks in , where he was stationed.
Married Sgt Cairnie, who was a soldier in ‘s Royal Hussars, was “very high risk”, the inquest into his death heard.
Just days before his death, he was interviewed by cops at a station in Swindon.
He was told that he was facing criminal charges – the nature of which were not disclosed.
The sergeant went missing at around 12pm on July 6, 2025, and was found two days later by a man bird-watching on Warren Hill.
The inquest held in Salisbury concluded Sgt Cairnie died of suicide by hanging.
The “dedicated” man was at a very high risk of self-harm because of the criminal that was taking place, but he was placed on the vulnerable risk management register.
The inquest heard there were no mental issues recorded on his medical notes.
Staff Sergeant Potts, who was a friend and colleague, said that he had dropped Sgt Cairnie off at his barracks at around 10.30am after having breakfast with him.
He said: “His demeanour was fine. His mood was low due to what was bothering him, but we laughed, and it seemed like a normal conversation between friends.
Captain Walker, the unit welfare officer, had been in contact with Sgt Cairnie over the weekend, and he sent him a text to check in with him, but never got a reply.
He rang him, but there was no answer, and so he went to his barracks to find that he was not there.
The civilian police were notified and a massive search was launched to find him.
Sgt Cairnie was found two days later by a man who was bird-watching on Warren Hill.
At the time of the search, Sergeant Gareth Brooks said: “Alex, we need to know that you are safe. Please call 101 and ask to be put through to me directly. I’m here to listen and I can give you the time you need to talk things through.
“There are many people, who care about you and they need to know that you are OK.”
How to get help
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org , 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org , 116 123
Military personnel were deployed in the Tidworth area, working alongside specially trained volunteers and officers.
Police were also sent out, and a drone was deployed using thermal imaging to check local woodland from above.
Originally from , Sgt Cairnie joined the army in 2013.
He was described as a “really good soldier” who was in line for a promotion to staff sergeant the next year.
A toxicology report found that he had no or alcohol in his system.
His last contact was with his wife Lucy Cairnie, who he told to have a good day and said that it was cold outside.
Lucy told the inquest how her husband loved and had set up his own football team.
He was also a keen gamer and loved to tinker with vehicles.
Staff Sergeant Kelly, who was a colleague, said: “He was professional, empathetic, and completely dedicated to everything he did and always delivered beyond the standards.
He said he was aware of the issues Sgt Cairnie was facing, but he never spoke directly to him about them.
He said: “Alex was someone who would work through them and wouldn’t raise these issues at work.
“I have never seen him upset or display any concern. But he obviously had things going on.”
Senior coroner for Wiltshire and Salisbury, David Ridley, ruled that Sgt Cairnie died by suicide on July 8, 2025.
Mr Ridley said: “Alex was a really good soldier. I was told that he would have been in line for staff sergeant the next year.
“He was in his element when he was in the middle of a field, freezing cold.”
He said: “I would like to offer my condolences to his family and of course Mrs Cairnie and the young ones as well.
“Also to his sisters in the sad loss of your brother and your friends.
“Alex went missing from the barracks at around midday on July 6.
“I think there is enough evidence on the balance of probabilities to record a suicide conclusion.”
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
CCTV of Sgt Alex Cairnie walking through a Tesco was released amid the searchCredit: PA
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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