The ex-flight sergeant served in the British Royal Air Force (RAF) for more than a decade.
Zach Stubbings, Prince William’s former flying instructor, tragically passed away after a battle with cancer. He had spent nine years flying military helicopters, notably the Sea King, during which he was exposed to toxic exhaust fumes.
The father of three, who was aged 47, has left behind his wife, Anna-Louise. His sister, Becci Louise Stubbings, wrote a touching tribute to her beloved brother.
Her post on Facebook, read, “Today we said goodbye to my brother Zach he was loved by so many, and I’m so grateful to all that came to show their support for him, it was awe inspiring. Much loved brother, father to his boys, and son to my parents, you will be missed xx.”
Richard Sutton, a former navy commander who had worked alongside Stubbings during their time with the coastguard on search and rescue missions in 2015, shared that Stubbings passed away in January after being admitted to a hospice just weeks prior.
Sutton described his death as a “shock,” recalling Stubbings as a warm and friendly guy who was always full of positivity. He added that Stubbings was known for his catchphrase, “happy days,” which he uttered with a smile. Sutton emphasized that Stubbings was also a deeply devoted family man.
The two were in a WhatsApp group with six other former military aircrews, all of whom were diagnosed with cancer. Now, six of the eight former members have died in the past 20 months and only two are still alive. Sutton’s first cancer diagnosis was in 2011 and since then he has battled nine tumors.
As one of the two still alive, Sutton notes, ” It really brings home the reality of the seriousness of the situation. In a way I feel lucky I am still here. This is not an issue that’s gone away.”
In 2024, Stubbings bravely opened up about his exposure to harmful fumes while flying military helicopters and his battle with cancer. Despite his health struggles, he remained positive, focusing on making the most of each day he had left.
When he was asked how he was coping with battling a terminal illness, he shared, “You do what you can,” and added, “It does affect you but you make the most you can out of it. You can sit there and cry about it, but that’s the hand you’ve been dealt. I could have had my legs blown off.”
Stubbings added, “My life expectancy was ten years, I was told, and for me I have outlived my life expectancy.” In his final year, Stubbings cherished moments with his son, who was just a toddler when he received his terminal diagnosis.
During half-term, he took time away to spend a few days alone with him, creating lasting memories despite the challenges he faced.
The former RAF flight sergeant had spent 15 years serving in the RAF between 2000 to 2015. Stubbings was among five individuals who received compensation from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) after being diagnosed with cancer.
Sadly, it took six years for the ministry to acknowledge that toxic fumes were responsible for his illness. In the later years of his career, following his diagnosis, he benefited from a strong support system provided by the ministry. However, the settlement he received was relatively small.
As an experienced pilot, Stubbings played a key role in training Prince William, who spent three years flying search-and-rescue helicopters at RAF Valley in Anglesey between 2010 and 2013. Meanwhile, numerous cancer patients and their families are currently pursuing legal action against the Ministry of Defence.
Louisa Donaghy, a senior associate at Hugh James Solicitors, who represents many affected families, described Stubbings’s death as a tragic loss that underscores the severe consequences of long-term exposure to helicopter exhaust fumes.
Donaghy lamented, “Zach’s dedicated service came at a terrible cost, and his battle with multiple myeloma underscores the urgent need for accountability. The MoD must take responsibility and support those affected.”
A spokesperson for the MoD sent their condolences to Stubbings’s loved ones, writing, “Any death is a tragedy and our thoughts are with the family and friends of Zack Stubbings at this difficult time.”
They emphasized the department’s commitment to personnel safety and stated that health protocols are regularly reviewed at the MoD. “We are in the process of testing the exhaust emissions of in-service helicopters, to ensure that we are meeting our duty of care for personnel. It is essential that we can assure our people of their safety at work,” the spokesperson revealed.
He will be missed by his friends, loved ones, and family. Stubbing’s wife has come face to face with grief again after she lost her first husband and seven-year-old son a decade ago when they were knocked over and killed by a careless driver.
Sutton shared that Stubbings’s wife had shown remarkable strength despite the difficulties of the past few months brought by her husband battling cancer and dying. Losing him was another devastating blow, but she has been coping as well as anyone could in such a situation.
