Hundreds of mourners gathered in Hexham to pay their respects to Lance Corporal Liam Potts, a 22-year-old soldier with the Coldstream Guards who died after a night out in Wylam.
Mr Potts’ funeral was held at Hexham Abbey on Friday, 11 September 2026. Members of the public lined the street as army colleagues, veterans and other mourners gathered to remember the soldier.
Military tribute outside Hexham Abbey
A military guard was formed for the service. Veterans of the Coldstream Guards lowered their standards at 11am, while members of the public stood outside the abbey.
The ceremony included the Last Post and a blessing from the Bishop of Newcastle. It was followed by a private burial.
Mr Potts was from Prudhoe and served with the Coldstream Guards. His body was found in the River Tyne close to Wylam Bridge last month, after he entered the river following a night out in Wylam in August.
Search and police investigation
His body was recovered following an extensive search involving police, coastguard and mountain rescue teams.
Northumbria Police is investigating the events leading up to his death. Two men in their 20s have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. The source report does not state whether they have been charged.
Mr Potts’ family previously described him as the “heart and soul of any room”. In a tribute, they said: “We are going to miss your smile, your laugh, and the little things that made you who you are. Though time may pass, the love we have for you will never fade.”
The funeral brought together the public, serving army colleagues and Coldstream Guards veterans in Hexham as the town marked the death of the young soldier.