A ROYAL Marine who died in Afghanistan on Monday has been named as Captain Carl Manley.

The 41-year-old died at the Bagram Airforce Base from what is believed to be natural causes.

He had been a serviceman for more than 20 years.

His commanding officer said: ‘’His combination of ferocious work ethic and humility ensured that he made a sustained contribution to ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) operations on this and his previous tours of Afghanistan. “A highly valued Royal Marine officer; he will be missed by all those who worked with him.”

Capt Manley’s leaves his wife and three children.

His wife said: ''To us, Carl was the loveliest husband and father.

“We can't imagine life without him; we are so very proud of him and everything he has achieved, both professionally and for the family. Always smiling, he never had a bad word to say about anyone.

“Everything he did was selfless, at work and at home. The world has lost a really special person.''

Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond said: "I was very saddened to learn of the untimely death of Captain Carl Manley, whose career in the Royal Marines has been tragically cut short by a fatal medical condition.

“He served with courage on Afghanistan's front line and his contribution to the campaign, and to Britain's national security, will not be forgotten."

The date for Capt Manley’s repatriation has not yet been announced, but it is unlikely he will be repatriated alongside Capt James Townley, of the Corps of Royal Engineers, and Sergeant Jonathan Eric Kups, of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, tomorrow.