A Fort Bragg paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division who died during an airborne training in Georgia on Wednesday has been identified, officials said.
Pfc. Jean Cruz De Leon, 20, of Marrero, Louisiana, died in the fatal incident while doing jump training at Fort Stewart, Lt. Col. Mike Burns, a spokesman for the Fort Bragg, North Carolina-based unit, said in an email to Stars and Stripes.
Cruz De Leon was an infantryman assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division when his parachute malfunctioned while participating in an airborne training operation.
“Pfc. Cruz De Leon was a dedicated Soldier who believed in continuously honing his craft and contributing every day to our mission. He was an outstanding Paratrooper and friend whose actions assisted with the success of our unit. We are ensuring every resource is available to his family and peers to help them during this difficult time," Lt. Col. Matthew Molly, commander of the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, said in a statement to news station WJCL.
Cruz De Leon, a three-time volunteer, enlisted in the U.S. Army in May 2019 and reported to his first duty assignment at Fort Bragg in October 2019. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Army Parachutist Badge.
“Cruz was a great Soldier, always made everyone laugh when everyone was down, constantly raising the team’s morale. He consistently strived to better himself and was always there for his battle buddies,” said Spc. Brandon Arnold, Weapons Squad Team leader.
The incident is under investigation.
