Special Forces soldier among 2 found dead in Fort Bragg training area, Army officials say
FORT BRAGG, N.C. — The U.S. Army has identified one of two men found dead in a training area at Fort Bragg as a master sergeant who was deployed multiple times to both Afghanistan and Iraq in his 19-year career.
Master Sgt. William J. Lavigne II, 37, was found dead Wednesday afternoon with another man, Army officials said. The second man, whose name has not been released, was an Army veteran who was previously stationed at the North Carolina military base.
The men’s deaths were not related to official training, authorities said. No suspected cause or manner of death has been released.
“The loss of a soldier is always tragic,” Lt. Col. Justin Duvall, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, said in a statement. “Master Sgt. Lavigne dedicated himself to the Army for 19 years and deployed multiple times in the defense of our nation.
“Our condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.”
Lavigne, who enlisted in 2001, graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course and was assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group, Airborne, according to Army officials. He was later assigned to the Special Operations Command, though which he was deployed overseas several times.
According to Army Times, Lavigne was awarded two Bronze Stars.
The Army Criminal Investigation Command is investigating the deaths.
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