A Dundee family are coming to terms with the loss of their soldier son who survived a tour of duty in Iraq only to die tragically during a training exercise in an Angus quarry.
The Fife students who were climbing with Gordon Brass (34) and saw him fall to his death are to be offered counselling.
The parents of Mr Brass were too upset to speak about the accident, and a notice on their Strips of Craigie Road home referred callers to the army press officer.
Mr Brass was leading the army cadet exercise when he fell 40 feet to his death on Friday afternoon.
The accident took place at Legaston Quarry, off the A933 Arbroath to Brechin road, a mile south of Friockheim.
Police are continuing inquiries together with the Health and Safety Executive and a report into the circumstances has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.
It is understood Mr Brass lived with his parents Dorothy and Gordon.
A neighbour described Mr Brass as someone who kept “himself to himself” and who was often away on army business.
Emergency services were called to the quarry at about 2.45pm. Ambulance staff attempted to resuscitate Mr Brass at the scene but their efforts were in vain.
Police carried out interviews and took statements from the young witnesses and their leaders.
The sheer sandstone faces at Legaston Quarry have been a popular destination for rock climbers for many years, with more than 70 recognised routes.
The students who witnessed the accident were from Adam Smith College’s army preparation course, based at its Glenrothes campus.
College principal Dr Craig Thomson said, “Our thoughts are with the instructor’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“The group of army preparation course students who were undertaking rock climbing instruction at Legaston Farm at the time of the accident will be offered counselling and support.”