The tragic death of a 19-year-old female soldier has sparked outrage and urgent discussions about workplace harassment, mental health, and digital abuse. Before taking her own life, the young soldier reportedly expressed deep fear of her superior officer, whom she described as “psychotic” and “possessive.” Her concerns went unheard, leaving her feeling trapped in a situation that ultimately led to her devastating decision.
A Cry for Help Ignored
In the days leading up to her death, the teenage soldier confided in those close to her that she was being relentlessly harassed by her boss. She feared that he had hacked her phone, was monitoring her every move, and was sending her thousands of obsessive messages. This level of control and manipulation left her in a constant state of distress.
Despite raising concerns, it appears that no effective action was taken to protect her. This case highlights the often-overlooked issue of abuse of power within hierarchical institutions like the military, where speaking out against a superior can feel impossible.
At an inquest in Salisbury, Gunner Beck’s mother, Leighann McCready, described how her daughter ‘did not feel safe’ as the situation involving Mr Mason intensified.
He also repeatedly expressed his love for her in 3,600 texts sent in November 2021, saying things like ‘you’re stuck with me forever now’.
The Salisbury hearing was shown a series of WhatsApp messages between Gunner Beck and Mr Mason between October 2021 and December 2021.
Ms McCready explained her daughter had provided support for Mr Mason who she said had mental health issues.
In one message to Gunner Beck, on October 21, Mr Mason wrote: ‘Love you Jayse. As a friend,’ and on October 27 he said: ‘I’m renaming you in my phone as the magician.’
On November 11, the bombardier added: ‘You’re amazing Jayse, I appreciate you so much, I love everything about you, even your flaws.
‘I will always be there along for the ride with you, I have said it before but you’re stuck with me forever now. I love you x As a friend, I love you.’
Gunner Beck had written to Mr Mason on November 25: ‘This whole falling in love with me, its becoming a bit too much, I have just come out of a relationship and I’m just not wanting to be involved in anything like this.
‘It’s weighing me down a little bit, I’ll be totally honest with you.’
She added: ‘Totally honest here, I just don’t want to hear how you feel about me.’
Ms McCready said her daughter had received 3,600 messages from Mr Mason in the month of November and added: ‘Ryan Mason was overstepping the mark of her friendliness and her nature, this was Jayse’s impression and she made us aware that he is becoming a creep.’
In another message, Gunner Beck wrote she feared Mr Mason was watching her.
She said: ‘When you said you seen me leav (sic) camp I was a bit taken back like are you watching me when you say things like ‘You’re there’ it’s just weird and the whole thing is just bizarre.’
In a message sent by Gunner Beck to Mr Mason on December 4, she said: ‘It’s snapping me, I have replied to you and in the space of a couple of minutes you sent three texts and tried to phone me. Can you understand why I think it’s a bit too much?’
Ms McCready, of Oxen Park in Cumbria, said her daughter felt Mr Mason was ‘a bit obsessive’ and she believed he had organised that her daughter would only go on work trips with him rather than other colleagues.
She added: ‘There was a time when she was on the phone to me and said ‘Mum I think he’s hacked my phone’ because he knows exactly where I am standing and he’s meant to be away.’
Ms McCready also said her daughter had phoned her on December 7 when she was staying in a hotel in Newbury for work.
She explained her daughter was ‘upset and crying’ and was ‘afraid something would happen, she thought he had tracked her phone and was listening to her conversation’.
Ms McCready said: ‘Ryan was freaking her out.’
The inquest was shown a draft text message that Gunner Beck had planned to send Mr Mason.
It said: ‘I honestly feel trapped in this whole situation, I have tried to act as normal as possible because we are working together but nothing normal about this situation.
The Dangers of Digital Surveillance and Harassment
This case is a stark reminder of how technology can be weaponized against victims. Cyberstalking—whether through hacking, excessive messaging, or invasive tracking—can have devastating psychological effects. Victims often feel like they have no escape, leading to severe anxiety, depression, and, in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts.
In closed environments like the military, where there is little personal privacy and a rigid power structure, such abuse can be even more dangerous. If a superior officer exploits their position to control or manipulate a subordinate, the victim may feel they have nowhere to turn.
Lack of Mental Health and Workplace Protections in the Military
This tragedy exposes critical gaps in military support systems for young service members. Key issues include:
- Failure to Act on Harassment Reports: Victims need safe, confidential channels to report abuse—especially when the perpetrator is a superior.
- Digital Privacy and Cybersecurity Risks: Service members should be trained on recognizing and responding to digital harassment, with stronger protections against hacking and cyberstalking.
- Mental Health Support: Many young recruits struggle with the pressures of military life, and accessible mental health resources are crucial to preventing crises like this.
- Accountability for Abusers: The military must take harassment allegations seriously, with swift and transparent investigations to prevent further abuse.
A Preventable Tragedy
This young soldier’s death should never have happened. Her complaints about her boss were a desperate plea for help—one that was ignored until it was too late.
Her story is a painful reminder that unchecked power, workplace harassment, and digital abuse can have deadly consequences. The military, like all workplaces, must take immediate steps to ensure that no one else suffers in silence.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. Resources are available, and you are not alone.
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