The U.S. servicemember who died in a crash involving a military vehicle Monday at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, has been identified.
Pfc. Patrick J. Hernandez, 30, was killed in the crash on Butner Road, according to news outlet WGHP Fox 8. Hernandez was married and was a father of five, according to the Fox affiliate.
Four others were injured in the crash, according to news outlet WRAL. Their identities have not been released.
Hernandez, who recently graduated from Airborne school at Fort Benning, was assigned to the 108th Military Police Company, 503rd MP Battalion, 16th MP Brigade, according to Fox 8.
“The last few days have been extremely hard for the Enforcer family, especially the 108th MP CO,” Lt. Col. Andrew Till, commander of the 503rd MP Battalion, said in a news release Wednesday. “Unfortunately, we lost one of our own in a vehicle accident on post. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Pfc. Hernandez’s family as they grieve the loss of their loved one. The 503rd MP Battalion is grieving as well, and we will honor Pfc. Hernandez’s life and service.”
The 503rd MP Battalion is planning a memorial for Hernandez, Fort Bragg officials told Fox 8.
“Pfc. Hernandez taught me so much in such a short time, and he was always willing to provide advice on fatherhood when he discovered I was soon to become a father,” Pfc. Michael D. Sanders of 3rd Platoon, 108th MP Company, said in the news release. “He was always available to mentor me and give guidance from his past experiences. I am heartbroken I had such a short time to know such a great individual and a great father.”
Hernandez, a native of Los Fresnos, Texas, joined the Army in August 2020 and served as a military policeman, Fox 8 reported.
Besides his wife and children, Hernandez is survived by his parents, according to the release.
The crash happened about 12:50 p.m. Monday on Butner Road, according to WRAL.
“This was a tough day here on Fort Bragg,” Col. Joe Buccino, Fort Bragg spokesman, said in a news release Monday. “It was a tough day for all of us. Our immediate thoughts right now are on the Family, the men and women of the 16th Military Police Brigade, and the injured Soldiers.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Pfc. Hernandez's family as they grieve the loss of their loved one. The 503rd MP Battalion is grieving as well, and we will honor Pfc. Hernandez's life and service."
The cause of the crash is being investigated.
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