A paratrooper from Fort Liberty has died from injuries sustained during training last week, the 82nd Airborne Division announced Monday.
Pfc. Matthew Perez was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, according to a statement from Lt. Col. Cesar Santiago, 82nd Airborne Division director of public affairs. He suffered fatal injuries during training at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, Louisiana, Santiago said.
“His sudden loss has impacted our entire formation and we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and teammates in the Panther Brigade,” said Col. Jaron Wharton, commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, in a statement released around 6:30 p.m. Monday.
Lt. Gen. Chris Donahue, commander of the 18th Airborne Corps, said the “entire XVIII Airborne Corps mourns the loss…”
“Paratroopers like him make this nation and our Army great, and his loss is truly heartbreaking for the Sky Dragon family,” Donahue said in a statement posted on the Corps’ social media. “Our priority is to ensure his family receives the support and care they deserve during this difficult time.”
The 82nd Airborne Division said the incident was under investigation.
No further details were disclosed.
FT Norton can be reached at [email protected].
