AN 'exemplary' Crediton soldier died after losing control of his bike and crashing into a lorry, an inquest heard.
Lance Corporal Jamie Stewart Fleming was killed in the collision on the A487 Felindre Farchog to Cardigan Road on April 18 this year.
At his inquest yesterday, the coroner heard the 21 year-old had lost control of his motorbike and collided with a goods lorry towing hay bales.
It was stressed that LCpl Fleming had not been riding excessively at the time.
LCpl Fleming, of Spinning Path Gardens, Crediton, had been in the army for four-and-a-half years. He had served in Afghanistan and was part of the Royal Signals based at the Cawdor Barracks.
The cause of his death was given as multiple trauma.
Pembrokeshire Coroner Mark Layton said: "This was a young man with a promising career and whose family were obviously very proud of him.
"For reasons which are not entirely clear he lost control of his bike and came into collision with a lorry."
Recording a narrative verdict, Mr Layton concluded that LCpl Fleming had died as a result of a road traffic collision and extended his sympathies to the soldier's family and friends.
Jamie was the son of Alison and Stewart, and brother of Rory, and has been described as a "dear grandson, nephew, cousin, friend and brother-in-arms".
Paying tribute at the time of his death, his parents said: "Jamie was much loved by all his family and friends. He was very popular and enjoyed life to the full.
"Jamie was extremely fit, both for his work and during leisure time, and he had recently run a marathon in Ireland.
"He loved his job in the Royal Signals. He had been in the army for four and a half years and had served in Afghanistan.
"He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him."
LCpl Fleming signed up to join the army in 2008 with the help of a bursary scheme.
Then aged 17, he was the first recruit in Devon to take his Oath of Allegiance under the system, which meant he was awarded £1,000 for every year of his course, a Sports BTEC at Exeter College.
A service in memory of him was held at Crediton Parish Church and he was given a full military funeral. His coffin, adorned with the Union Jack flag with his beret placed carefully on top, was carried into the church by fellow soldiers.
