MI6 chief’s son, 22, is killed in car crash on a private Scottish estate as police probe ‘unexplained’ death
am Younger pictured a student at Edinburgh University
The son of MI6 chief Alex Younger has died in a car accident on a private estate in Scotland.
Sam Younger, 22, a student at the University of Edinburgh, died in the early hours of Saturday morning.
His parents yesterday described him as a ‘wonderful son’ and asked for space so they could ‘remember and celebrate’ him.
Police are investigating the ‘unexplained’ death but said it does not appear suspicious.
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Sam Younger (pictured), a student at Edinburgh University and the son of MI6 chief Alex Younger, has died in a car crash on a Scottish estate
The accident happened on a private estate in Stirlingshire, Scotland. The circumstances are unclear.
His father Alex, 55, took on the role of head of MI6 – also known by the code letter ‘C’ – in 2014.
Mr Younger is due to stand down from the role in November this year.
He joined the intelligence service as an officer in 1991, holding postings in Europe and the Middle East. Before that, he was in the Army. He is married and has other children.
Police Scotland said in a statement: ‘Police Scotland can confirm that Sam Younger, a 22-year-old student from Edinburgh University, has died following an accident involving a motor vehicle on a private estate in Stirlingshire on Saturday 30th March 2019.
‘The family have provided that they wish privacy and space to remember and celebrate their wonderful son.
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Alex Younger, pictured, has been the head of MI6 since 2014
‘The death is being treated as unexplained, however there does not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course, as is standard procedure.’
Kieran Oberman, a lecturer at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Social and Political Science, was Sam’s personal tutor.
He said: ‘Sam was a lovely student – always warm and friendly. He seemed confident and excited about the future.
‘We are devastated by the tragic news of his death and our thoughts are with his family and friends.’
Before going to the University of Edinburgh, Sam, from London, attended £40,000-a-year Dulwich College, where former pupils are called Old Alleynians, after the founder, Edward Alleyn.
He played rugby for the South London school’s first XV at top level.
The Old Alleynians Association said today: ‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Sam Younger (OA 2006 – 2015). Sam died in a car accident in Scotland in the early hours of Saturday morning.
‘A selfless, big hearted, fun loving and committed Alleynian, and Old Alleynian, we offer heartfelt condolences to Sam’s family and friends.
‘Information about a memorial to remember and celebrate Sam’s life will be posted in due course.’
Referring to the rugby strip colours, the school itself said: ‘He was black and blue until he died – loved every brick of the place.’
