Army engineer found dead at Catterick Garrison barracks

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 07:02 · Archive

An army engineer from Fiji was found dead at Marne Barracks, Catterick Garrison, on 20 January.

Salesi Makahokovalu Rabuku, 32, originally from Fiji, was found unresponsive at Marne Barracks at Catterick Garrison on 20 January this year. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife, who lived in Fiji with their two children, flagged concerns for his wellbeing to his army colleagues that day.

At an inquest held at Northallerton Coroner's Court on 30 October, the assistant coroner for North Yorkshire and York, Sarah Middleton, heard statements from his colleagues describing Mr Rabuku as polite, considerate and kind. During his time at the barracks, which began in December 2025, he never expressed thoughts of ending his life and never flagged up any mental health issues.

His cousin, also based at the same barracks, said Mr Rabuku seemed 'subdued' over the Christmas period before his death but attributed this to homesickness and not returning to Fiji to see his family. Summing up the evidence, Ms Middleton noted that the factors and motives involved in his death 'may never be known'.

How it is being reported

• Why ‘kind and considerate’ Army engineer took his own life ‘may never be known’Army engineer Salesi Rabuku, 32, was found dead at Marne Barracks, Catterick Garrison. An October 30 inquest heard the reasons for his suicide may never be known.Darlington & Stockton Times · 31 Oct, 06:00
• Why ‘kind and considerate’ Army engineer took his own life ‘may never be known’Army engineer Salesi Rabuku, 32, was found dead at Marne Barracks, Catterick Garrison. An October 30 inquest heard the reasons for his suicide may never be known.The Northern Echo · 31 Oct, 05:30

In this story: Salesi Makahokovalu Rabuku · Fiji · Marne Barracks · Catterick Garrison · Sarah Middleton

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