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The second most senior officer in the Royal Air Force has died after collapsing during a triathlon, the Ministry of Defense said on Thursday.

Air Chief Marshal Christopher Moran had been taken ill when competing during the charity event on Wednesday at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. He was 54.

“A highly respected and courageous leader, this tragic loss comes as a huge blow to the Royal Air Force and, indeed, Defence at large,” Stephen Dalton, Chief of Air Staff said in a statement.

“Most importantly, our prayers and thoughts are with his family, to whom I offer my most sincere condolences on behalf of the Royal Air Force, serving and retired.”

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