Army officer cadet showed ‘fearless determination’ to succeed, inquest hears

A female army officer cadet who was found dead in her room at the prestigious Sandhurst military academy showed “fearless determination” to succeed in life, an inquest heard.

Olivia Perks, 21, was discovered dead at the elite military training school in February 2019.

An earlier inquest hearing recorded the provisional cause of her death as “asphyxia due to hanging”.

“Pen portraits” of her were painted by her family as the full inquest into her death began at Berkshire Coroners Court in Reading on Monday.

In a statement read out by coroner Alison McCormick, her mother Louise Townsend said: “Liv was the most wonderful, vivacious and captivating girl.

“From a young age she showed fearless determination to push forward.”

She said her daughter said she wanted to join the army while a teenager and joined the junior cadets while still at school, where she was held in high regard.

She “watched with great pride” when her daughter joined Sandhurst in 2018 and was told Ms Perks was an “integral member” of her platoon.

Ms Perks scored top marks on a course which she undertook before joining Sandhurst and was the youngest officer cadet in her intake, the hearing was told.

Ms Townsend continued: “People spoke of her as that stand-out figure who was so motivated and driven to succeed.

“She was known for her smile and her wicked sense of humour.

“She was full of energy and enthusiasm, always willing to take on any adventure, and as a friend she was compassionate and kind. She was always ready to help and support others.

“She had that natural ability to be at ease with everyone, no matter their age or gender, and treated everyone equally.

“The enormity of losing her remains palpable, not only within her family but also her massive circle of friends.

“We are incredibly proud of our remarkable girl and everything she achieved in her life, a life which ended prematurely before she was able to reach her full potential.”

Ian Perks said his daughter was the “best daughter any father could wish for”.

He added: “She was full of energy and enthusiasm, had an enormous sense of fun joining in with anything and everything.”

He added that she used to bring certificates home from school, one of which praised her for her determination.

“That was Liv all over,” he added.

He said he was “so proud” when she joined Sandhurst and added that it “broke my heart” when he found out what she was going through before she died.

The inquest continues.