Prince William’s former flying instructor, Zach Stubbings, has died at the age of 47 after a long battle with multiple myeloma, a type of cancer. Stubbings, who served as a flight sergeant and helicopter winchman, was diagnosed with the disease in 2013, following years of exposure to toxic fumes from military helicopters.
- Prince William's instructor died from cancer.
- Zach Stubbings had multiple myeloma diagnosis.
- Toxic fumes linked to military helicopter use.
- Fellow pilot Richard Sutton also diagnosed with cancer.
- Ministry of Defence accused of negligence.
- Stubbings trained Prince William from 2010-2013.
Stubbings passed away last month in a hospice, after fighting the illness for over a decade. His death has raised concerns about the health risks faced by military personnel due to exposure to hazardous emissions.
Zach Stubbings was a former flight sergeant and helicopter winchman who trained Prince William at RAF Valley from 2010 to 2013. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2013, thirteen years after joining the RAF Search and Rescue. Fellow pilot Richard Sutton confirmed Stubbings’ death, emphasizing the growing number of Armed Forces personnel who attribute their cancers to toxic helicopter exhaust fumes.
Military pilots have reported various cancers linked to their service, including:
- Throat cancer
- Lung cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
Stubbings described the hazardous conditions in a previous interview, noting that the exhaust fumes were prevalent while working on the helicopter winch. He expressed concerns about the lack of protection and the discomfort caused by the fumes, which often left him coughing and with irritated eyes. Despite the complaints, he felt that no adequate measures were taken to address the issue.
Prince William has not publicly commented on Stubbings’ death. The situation raises critical questions about the safety protocols for military personnel and the Ministry of Defence’s responsibility in protecting them from harmful emissions.
The death of Zach Stubbings underscores the serious health implications faced by military personnel due to exposure to toxic emissions. His experience and the experiences of others highlight the need for improved safety measures within military operations.
