Spc. Zackary Phillip Partin, 24, a radio operator with slightly more than four years of service, was found dead in his barracks on Jan. 12, 2017. This makes Partin the 11th soldier stationed at Fort Hood to die unexpectedly since November 2016.
The cause of Partin’s death has not yet been released and is currently being investigated by the Army’s Criminal Investigation Command, also known as the CID. Darren Taylor, a first cousin to Partin, commented on Partin’s death during an interview with Stars and Stripes on Tuesday.
“We hope the investigation is thorough and provides the family an avenue to continue the grieving process,” he said.
Investigators claim that Partin was found unresponsive in his barracks on the morning of Jan. 12. His death comes just one week after Sgt. Alex Mathew Dean Taylor, 23, was also found unresponsive at this place of duty. Taylor’s cause of death is also being investigated at this time. The other nine deaths that have occurred since November have been attributed to gunshots, illnesses and automobile accidents
Partin was assigned to 1st Calvary Division and has been stationed at Fort Hood since May of last year. He joined the Army in November 2012. A statement issued by the Army states that he was the recipient of Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service, Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
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