Belmopan, Fri. Oct. 1, 2021– Much-respected Belize Defence Force Soldier and former Aide-de-camp, Major Eric Neal, 41, passed away this morning while hospitalized at the Western Regional Hospital. Immediately following his death, flags were flown at half-mast at the Ministry of Defence in Belmopan to honor the BDF major.

In addition to serving as the Aide-de-camp of the former Governor-General of Belize, Neal served in the Belize Defence Force for seventeen years and seven months, and even in his final days, Major Neal was a prominent figure within the force — faithfully serving as the Commander for the Echo Company in Camp Belizario in Western Belize.

Major Neal had been battling with many underlying conditions, including diabetes and asthma. Earlier this week, he was rushed to the San Ignacio Hospital to receive immediate treatment when he began to experience difficulty breathing.

Major Eric Neal was hospitalized for two days before he passed away. A PCR test is yet to be conducted on the major’s body to determine his COVID-19 status at his time of his death, but two rapid tests taken over the course of his hospitalization yielded negative results.

Major Neal is remembered as a candid officer who served as a voice for all career soldiers, advocating on their behalf for many years. His efforts had a lasting impact on the morale and welfare of all Belizean soldiers.

The Belize Defence Force has announced that Major Neal will be buried with full military honors.

The Belize Defence Force is providing counseling services to Major Neal’s fellow soldiers during this time of grief.