The heartbroken family of a young soldier who fell to his death from a hotel balcony have spoken of their anguish after an inquest failed to determine whether his death was accidental.
Private Jethro Watson-Pickering, 23, of the 1st Yorks Regiment, died from catastrophic injuries after falling from a balcony at the Voco Hotel in St George's Square, Liverpool, during a weekend leave in October 2022.
Unanswered Questions Haunt Grieving Family
At a recent inquest, Area Coroner Anita Bhardwaj recorded an open conclusion, stating there was insufficient evidence to determine whether the fall was accidental or intentional. This has left Private Watson-Pickering's family with more questions than answers about the circumstances surrounding his death.
His devastated mother, stepfather, and sister attended the hearing and have since expressed their profound disappointment with the outcome. "We still have so many questions about what happened that night," the family said in an emotional statement.
A Promising Military Career Cut Short
Private Watson-Pickering was described by his commanding officers as a "first-class soldier" with a bright future ahead of him. He had recently returned from a successful deployment to Estonia and was considered a rising star within his regiment.
Colleagues and superiors praised his professionalism and dedication to military service, making his sudden death even more shocking to those who knew him.
The Night of the Tragedy
Evidence presented at the inquest revealed that the soldier had been socialising with friends in Liverpool city centre before returning to his hotel room alone. The circumstances leading to his fall from the fourth-floor balcony remain unclear.
Hotel staff discovered the tragic scene the following morning, but crucial details about his final hours continue to elude investigators.
Family Calls for Further Investigation
The Watson-Pickering family are now urging authorities to reopen the case, believing there may be witnesses who haven't come forward or evidence that hasn't been properly considered.
"We owe it to Jethro to find out the truth about what happened that night," the family stated. "He deserved better than this uncertain outcome."
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed they are conducting their own internal review of the incident, while Merseyside Police have stated the case remains open should new evidence emerge.
