Army recruit, 18, found dead on railway while home on leave from training barracks

The family of a young soldier who died on a railway line while he was home on leave have paid tribute to a "wonderful" man with a "heart of gold".

Private Thamir Mbarushimana, 18, was found dead on railway tracks in his home town of Wythenshawe, south Manchester, earlier this month.

The teenager was based at the Infantry Training Centre at the British Army's Catterick Garrison near Richmond, North Yorkshire, where he is thought to have only been in training for a matter of weeks, and was visiting his family at the time of his death.

Police and paramedics were called to reports of a casualty on the tracks at a stretch of railway line near Southmoor Road, Wythenshawe, at 4.17pm on Sunday, 6 February.

Pte Mbarushimana was pronounced dead at the scene. British Transport Police have said his death is not being treated as suspicious.

Pte Mbarushimana's family have paid tribute to him, saying they shared his pride in becoming a soldier.

In a statement, they said: "We thank all those who are providing love, support and understanding for our family at this time.

"Thamir was a wonderful man who we will all sorely miss. He was caring, generous and loving.

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"He touched the lives of many and will forever remain in our memories.

"Thamir was proud of his accomplishments in becoming a soldier in the Army and we shared in this pride as a family."

Friends have also rallied around Pte Mbarushimana's family, launching a GoFundMe appeal to contribute to his funeral costs.

The GoFundMe said the 18-year-old was an "aspiring soldier who didn't get to live out his potential in the army".

It added: "Thamir has been such a good soul to everyone and he had a heart of gold.

"We're doing this for all his family and friends to give him the best send off, which he truly deserves. RIP Thamir – until we meet again."

Catterick Garrison is the largest army base in Britain and home to more than 13,000 personnel.

Pte Mbarushimana was one of two men from the base to die on the same day.

In a separate incident, police were called to Catterick Garrison at 5am on February 6 after receiving reports of the "sudden death" of a 33-year-old man.