Police have said his death is not being treated as suspicious, and a report is now being prepared for the coroner.

His passing has sent shockwaves through his family, his regiment, and a nation that had recently watched him take part in one of the most historic ceremonies in modern British history.

Relatives have now revealed plans for a balloon release in Jack’s memory — a simple but deeply symbolic gesture intended to honour a young life marked by service, pride, and promise.

Jack became a familiar face to millions just weeks ago when he was selected to walk directly behind Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin during the funeral procession. The moment was broadcast around the world and hailed as a profound honour, reserved for soldiers judged to be among the most disciplined and dependable.

For his family, it was a moment of immense pride.

“To see him there, representing his country, representing the Army — it meant everything to us,” one relative said.

Jack’s mother, Laura Williams, confirmed the devastating news in a heartfelt Facebook post that captured the depth of the family’s grief.

“Never ever thought I would be saying this,” she wrote, “but we as a family are all heartbroken with the sudden passing of our wonderful son Jak Williams yesterday.”

Tributes quickly poured in from friends, fellow soldiers, and members of the public who remembered Jack from the Queen’s funeral. Many described him as polite, dedicated, and quietly proud of his role in the Armed Forces.

Jack had joined the Army at a young age and was described by those who knew him as someone who took his responsibilities seriously. Being chosen to escort the Queen’s coffin was seen not just as a ceremonial role, but as recognition of his discipline and character.

Military sources have emphasised that such duties are not assigned lightly, particularly to young soldiers. Jack’s selection reflected the trust placed in him by his superiors — trust he fulfilled with calm composure during a moment watched by millions.

In the days since his death, messages of condolence have flooded social media, with many expressing heartbreak that a life so full of potential was cut short so suddenly.

“An honourable young man taken far too soon,” wrote one commenter. Another said: “He stood for duty until the end. Rest easy, soldier.”

The Army confirmed that Jack was found unresponsive at Hyde Park Barracks, one of the most prominent military bases in London. Emergency services were called, but he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards. No further details have been released at this stage.

Metropolitan Police confirmed officers attended the scene but said there were no suspicious circumstances. As is standard procedure in sudden deaths, a file will be prepared for the coroner to determine the cause.

While questions remain unanswered, Jack’s family have said their focus is firmly on remembering who he was, rather than how he died.

The planned balloon release is expected to bring together loved ones, friends, and members of the military community — a chance to grieve collectively and celebrate Jack’s life. Each balloon, relatives say, will carry messages of love, pride, and farewell.

“He was so young, but he lived with purpose,” one family friend said. “He was doing what he believed in.”

For many, Jack’s story has become a sobering reminder of the pressures placed on young service members, even during moments of national ceremony and pride. While the Queen’s funeral was a historic occasion, it was also a demanding one, requiring long hours, strict discipline, and intense focus.

Jack carried out his role with dignity, never knowing that it would become one of the final chapters of his life.

At just 18, he had already experienced something few soldiers ever will — standing at the heart of a moment that defined an era. That image, etched into public memory, has now taken on a deeper poignancy.

Laura Williams has asked for privacy as the family grieves, but those close to her say she is determined that Jack be remembered not only for the uniform he wore, but for the son, friend, and young man he was.

“He had dreams,” a relative said quietly. “He had plans. He wanted to go far.”

As preparations for the tribute continue, the mood among those who knew Jack is one of quiet sorrow mixed with profound respect. Flags have been lowered, flowers laid, and messages left in his honour.

In a life measured in just 18 years, Jack Burnell-Williams managed to leave a mark on his family, his regiment, and a nation that watched him walk in solemn silence behind a Queen.

Now, as balloons are released into the sky, his loved ones hope the gesture will carry their grief — and their pride — upward, offering a final salute to a teenage soldier gone far too soon.

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