Major Birchall (Picture - The Guardian)

Major Sean Birchall, brother of WWE wrestler Paul Burchill, was killed on Friday in an explosion while stationed in Afghanistan.

According to The Guardian, Major Birchall, 33, commanding officer of IX Company, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards. was leading a routine patrol delivering supplies and inspecting checkpoints around Basharan, which is in the Lashkar Gah area of the Helmand province. As the patrol of three armoured vehicles was making its way from one checkpoint to another, an improvised explosive devise exploded by the second vehicle.

Birchall died for the injuries he sustained from the blast while being taken to a nearby helicopter landing site.

“Like many others, I find it impossible to imagine that this irrepressibly warm, energetic and positive man can no longer be with us,” said Leutenant Colonel Rupert Thornloe, Birchall’s commanding officer. He noted that the battle group had been stunned by his death.

“He really was an inspiration to those of us who were lucky enough to have known him. The unselfish and positive manner in which he led his life could not contrast more starkly with the nihilistic cruelty of the people who took it from him. Our loss, as a regiment, is enormous. But it is as nothing compared to that suffered by Sean’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this dreadful time.”

Defence secretary Bob Ainsworth stated that he was “deeply saddened to learn of the death of Major Sean Birchall. His sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

In addition to brother Paul, he also leaves behind a wife, Joanna, and an 18-month-old son, Charlie. “Sean was a wonderful husband, a doting father and a much loved son and brother who cared deeply for his family and friends,” Joanna said to guardian.co.uk.

“He was so very proud to be a Guards officer. He was also thrilled to have the opportunity to lead a newly formed company in Afghanistan and, despite spending such a short time with his guardsmen, he was utterly devoted to them. He would want them to continue with courage and commitment and to come home safely when the job is done.”

Gregory Helms commented on the loss in a recent post on his Twitter account, saying: “Keep Paul Burchill in your prayers, he just recently lost a brother in Afganistan.”

It is being said that Paul will be taking time off as a result of the tragic loss.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Birchall family.

Dan Short
dan@ifight365.com