Soldier found dead after being ‘bombarded' with 3,600 texts

19-year-old soldier Jaysley Beck was found dead at Larkhill Camp in December 2021. New, disturbing details from the ongoing investigation are now emerging.

When Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire on December 15, 2021, it was a huge shock to both her family and colleagues. However, as the investigation progressed, even more heartbreaking details came to light.

An inquiry report released in October 2023 revealed that Jaysley had endured a period of intense and unwanted behavior, which was almost certainly a contributing factor to her tragic death.

”Freaked out”

During the latest inquest into her death, which took place in Salisbury, it was revealed that Jaysley Beck received thousands of messages from Bombardier Ryan Mason over the course of a month, and his behavior left her feeling ”freaked out,” Sky News reports.

Her mother, Leighann McCready, shared that her daughter increasingly felt unsafe as the situation with Mason escalated. According to Lance Bombardier Kirsty Davis, who trained with Jaysley Beck, Ryan Mason was “psychotic and possessive”.

In a message to Gunner Beck on October 21, Mr. Mason wrote, ”Love you Jayse. As a friend.”

On November 11, he wrote, ”You’re amazing Jayse, I appreciate you so much, I love everything about you, even your flaws.”

On November 25, Jaysley Beck replied, saying the situation was ”becoming a bit too much” and ”weighing me down.”

She added, ”Totally honest here, I just don’t want to hear how you feel about me.”

Jaysley Beck repeatedly pointed out that she didn’t want to receive such messages.

“It’s snapping me, I have replied to you and in the space of a couple of minutes you sent three texts and tried to phone me. Can you understand why I think it’s a bit too much?”

Leighann McCready stated her daughter had received 3,600 messages from Mr. Mason in November alone, and Jaysley Beck had expressed concerns that he was watching her. McCready explained that Mason was ”overstepping” and shared that her daughter had told the family he was ”becoming a creep.”

She added that her daughter had called her on December 7 while staying at a hotel in Newbury for work. Gunner Beck was “upset and crying” and “afraid something would happen,” Ms. McCready said. “Ryan was freaking her out,” she added.

Felt trapped in the situation

The inquest also revealed a draft text message that Gunner Beck had planned to send to Mr. Mason.

It read: ”I honestly feel trapped in this whole situation, I have tried to act as normal as possible because we are working together, but there’s nothing normal about this situation. It’s possessive and psychotic, you have to understand it’s not normal behavior. I am struggling to deal with all of this, it’s taking a huge toll on my own mental health for many personal reasons. I need time out.”

Beck didn’t speak out about her struggles, fearing it would harm her reputation in the army.

Her mother, McCready, explained that Beck was already dealing with emotional turmoil from her uncle’s suicide in August 2020 and the end of a relationship.

The inquest also revealed that Beck had previously reported being assaulted by a sergeant during a team-building trip in July 2021, where he made an inappropriate advance.

Family rejects the claim

Despite the sergeant receiving only a minor penalty, Beck didn’t feel the apology was genuine, which might have discouraged her from reporting other incidents.

“Jaysley wasn’t happy with what had happened but if you are in the Army and a lower rank, no-one will believe you, especially against a higher rank. She didn’t want to get into trouble or cause a drama,” Lance Bombardier Kirsty Davis said.

While the family rejects the claim, an Army service inquiry suggested that personal issues, including a bereavement, played a role in her death.

The report also highlighted three contributing factors: a strained sexual relationship with a married colleague, the breakup in November 2021, and repeated allegations of infidelity; as well as her binge drinking habits. The report confirmed that Beck had no mental health issues and had not sought welfare support.

If you or someone you may know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.