Prince William’s ex-flying instructor dies of cancer aged 47 after ‘years of inhaling toxic fumes’ PRINCE William's military flying instructor has died of cancer after years of exposure to toxic helicopter exhaust fumes.
As well as multiple myeloma, former service men and women who have flown Sea King, Wessex and Puma and Chinook helicopters have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, throat cancer, lung cancer and testicular cancer.
Zach's passing was announced by Richard Sutton, a former Navy Commander and pilot who was also diagnosed with cancer 12 years ago.
Richard and Zach are not alone - hundreds of fellow members of the Armed Forces have also been diagnosed with rare and deadly cancers which they claim were caused by exposure to fumes.
Richard, who flew Sea King aircrafts, said the helicopters burned aviation fuel, which he explained would billow through the doors.
