A Royal Navy serviceman killed when a helicopter ditched in the Channel during a training exercise has been named as 31-year-old Lieutenant Rhodri Leyshon.

In a statement, his family said: “Rhod was so immeasurably loved by his parents, siblings, partner, friends and family and he was devoted to them. Our lives will never be the same without him.

“We are all so very proud of the talented, passionate, strong and loyal man he was. We will always have him in our hearts. Our wonderful boy.

“The family request privacy at this extremely painful time.”

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