Police are investigating the death of a soldier from Wisconsin while he was on leave in Asheville, North Carolina.
Spc. Naeciwat R. Latender, 21, of Neopit, was an infantryman assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His death Dec. 23 and the circumstances around it are being investigated by the Asheville Police Department, a news release from Fort Bragg said.
No other details have been made available.
“Spc. Naeciwat Latender was a phenomenal paratrooper who had a large impact on his troop and squadron,” said Lt. Col. Scott Pence, commander of the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, the Panther Recon squadron. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during what must be a tragic holiday season.
“Spc. Latender was a valued member of the team who served honorably with Panther Recon as a sniper and spotter in Iraq in 2015.”
Latender joined the Army in June 2014 and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division in October 2014. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War On Terror Expeditionary Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon and the Parachutist Badge.