Afghanistan British troops
The 30-mile hike is an important aspect for British Royal Marines training Joe Raedle/Getty Images

A Royal Marine trainee who died while on training exercise in Dartmoor has been named as Lieutenant Gareth Jenkins.

Lt. Jenkins died on 28 May during a 30-mile "march at speed" in Devon and an investigation into what caused his death is now underway.

In a statement to IBTimes UK the Royal Navy said "It is with sadness and regret that we can confirm the death of Lieutenant Gareth Jenkins, a Royal Marine officer under training at the Commando Training Centre, Lympstone. The thoughts and sympathies of the Naval Service are with his family and friends at this time."

The navy declined to comment further on the specifics surrounding Lt. Jenkins's death, explaining: "The incident is currently under investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further while that process continues."

The 30-mile training exercise Lt Jenkins was talking part in is a "march at speed," described by a spokesman as a "deliberately tough time".

At the moment there is no indication the exercise itself or any aspect of the marines' training process will be reviewed before an inquest into the death of Lieutenant Jenkins is complete.

In July 2013, army reservists Edward Maher, Craig Roberts and James Dunsby collapsed and died during an SAS training exercise in the Brecon Beacons in Wales.

A recent inquest has revealed a number of other soldiers taking part in the programme that day required medical attention after they also collapsed.