US Army to investigate 3 Suicides by Soldiers during last 48-hours

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Multiple reports have confirmed that the US Army is investigating 3 apparent suicides by soldiers stationed at Fort Drum, New York, during the last 48-hours. The commander of Fort Drum’s 10th Mountain Division, Maj. Gen, Milford H. Beagle, Jr., said, “Immediately when we have a situation when a soldier is suspected of taking their own life, we want to know the trigger. What are the underlying challenges that contributed to the decision to harm them? We want to know, what didn’t we catch? What are we missing? This is what our immediate focus is”. Point to be noted that Private First-Class Tyler S. Thomas, 22, Staff Sgt. Angel G. Green, 24, and Specialist Sika M. Tapueluelu, 26, died between Sept. 16 and 17 in suspected self-harm incidents.

The spokesperson said that the incidents are still under investigation and investigators believe the 3 deaths are not connected. He pointed out that the individuals were not in the same unit and may not have known each other. Green, an infantryman assigned to 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment (The Polar Bears), 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, had recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan, where he was one of the last soldiers off the ground following the US evacuation effort in the country. The Afghanistan deployment was Green’s 2^nd to the country. However, investigators don’t believe the deployment was the primary reason for his death. Green also deployed to Qatar once.

Thomas was a signal support system specialist from Texas, while Tapueluelu was a cannon crewmember from Washington. Beagle Jr. issued a statement a few days after the deaths and said, “Keep the families of the soldiers in your prayers during this difficult time. In trying times like these, it is incumbent upon us all to reach out to your battle buddy. Make sure they are OK. I have spoken with our command teams, and they will gather everyone together on Monday. I have asked them to address the warning signs of those at risk, enhance understanding of the characteristics of suicidal ideation, and share coping mechanisms. To the soldiers of Fort Drum, the 10th Mountain Division, and our entire Army, I want you to know every life is worth living!”