ARMY chiefs have launched an investigation into the death of a soldier who died during a sports tournament at Brompton Barracks, Gillingham.

L Cpl Matthew McCluskey, who was 24 and from Nottingham, died last Wednesday after playing a game of basketball in the barracks' gym.

It is believed he jumped for the ball and landed on his feet before collapsing on to the wooden floor. He died before a crew from Medway Ambulance Station arrived at the barracks.

The serviceman was from the ethnic minority recruitment team based in Aldershot. Weekend reports said L Cpl McCluskey's heart had two aortic valves instead of three, which led to the condition which caused his death. He knew nothing of his complaint.

He taking part in the annual Royal Engineers international tournament, an event which brings together representatives from Britain and Germany for a knock-out basketball competition.

An Army spokesman said: "It appears he went up for a ball and just collapsed. Physical exertion can bring on that type of that type of thing. It was definitely not brought on through being hit by somebody or the impact of hitting the ground."