Two Fort Bragg paratroopers were pronounced dead Friday after being found unresponsive in their barracks room, CBS 17 reported.
Spc. Joshua Diamond, 35, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Pfc. Matthew Disney, 20, of Aberdeen, Maryland, were 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers and served as field artillery firefinder radar operators.
The deaths likely are drug-related, according to WRAL reporter Gilbert Baez, who cited military leaders.
“Our greatest strength is our Paratroopers and these losses are a tragedy,” Col. Phillip J. Kiniery III, commander 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, told CBS 17 in a statement. “We mourn the passing of Matthew and Joshua. They remain part of our Family of Falcon Brigade Paratroopers. Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones and fellow Paratroopers during this difficult time.”
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command is investigating the case.
“At this point in the investigation we do have credible information that the Soldiers were involved with illicit drugs,” said Chris Grey, spokesman for Army CID, in a statement.
This is a developing story. Please return to AJC.com throughout the day for updates.
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