Five people lost their lives in the helicopter crash in Afghanistan last week.  Amongst them, sadly, was 26 year old Lance Corporal Oliver Thomas from Brecon, who had worked as a researcher for Roger Williams in his Westminster office.

Tributes have been paid by a number of leading Liberal Democrats.

From Nick Clegg:

My heartfelt sympathies go to the family, partner, friends and colleagues of Oliver Thomas.

Oliver, or Oli as he was known, was taking a break from his role as a researcher in Westminster to Roger Williams. I understand from Roger that Oli was an incredibly popular and dedicated member of staff who will be greatly missed.

It is very sad to hear about the death of a young man who had a promising future ahead of him. It is even sadder for those colleagues of Oli in the Liberal Democrats who have lost a fellow activist and dear friend.

From Roger Williams, MP for Brecon and Radnorshire:

Not only was it a pleasure to work alongside Oli for many years, but I consider it a privilege to have been able to call him a friend.

We were all so proud of him when he first joined the Army Reserves.  His integrity and strength of character made him a perfect ambassador for our country.

Oli’s family have so much to be proud of in their son.  Our thoughts are with them at this particularly difficult time.  We will all miss him dearly.

From Kirsty Williams, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats and AM for Brecon and Radnorshire:

This is desperately sad news.  I would like to express my deep sympathy and condolences to Oli’s family.

Oli was an exceptional young man.  He was courageous, brave and relished the opportunity to serve his country.  He will be missed by everyone who knew him – his family, his friends and his colleagues.