We regret to inform you of the death of AJ Collins, who was killed in a motorcycle accident in Dortmund, Germany on 1st July, whilst serving with the Royal Artillery. An accomplished Skeleton rider, he was a member of the GB team for a number of years, achieving his best results in 1999, when he came sixth in World Cup races in Nagano and Koenigsee and eighth in the World Championships in Altenberg. He was Army Champion in 1997 and 1998 and British Champion in 2002 after which he retired from racing to concentrate on building a very successful Army career.

Courageous, fit, tough, single-minded and sometimes intense, he did not always endear himself to colleagues, but it was just the way in which he got the results he wanted. He also had a different side - hard-working, efficient and willing to help friends where required. One thing is sure : if he said he would do something, he didn't let you down. He was cool under pressure, as I found out as our LandRover slid backwards down the road alongside the track at Lillehammer, and he manoeuvred us to safety. A complex character, he will be missed by many. He leaves a wife, Gaby, and a daughter, Victoria.

Letters of condolence may be sent to his wife: