A U.S. Army paratrooper was found dead in his barracks room at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska on Thursday, April 2.
Spc. Milik Jaquez Craig, a 20-year-old infantryman, was found by another soldier on Thursday night, according to a U.S. Army statement provided to American Military News on Monday.
Craig’s death is currently under investigation by the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division.
Craig had joined the Army two years ago in March 2018. He was initially stationed at Fort Benning, Ga before his transfer to Alaska in August 2018. He was a member of the 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment.
“Milik Craig was an amazing paratrooper, teammate, and friend to all Geronimos,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Myer, 1-501st commander. “His personal leadership, commitment, and hard work will be sorely missed by us all.”
Craig had received the National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Parachutist Badge.
Last month, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson declared an emergency after seven individuals on base tested positive for coronavirus.
“There is evidence that several individuals picked it up locally in a community transfer,” installation commander Col. Patricia Csank said at the time. “Because of that, the change in transmission, I’ve declared the public health emergency.”
Craig’s death follows one month after another paratrooper was found dead in his barracks at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
Spc. Jason Alexander Thomas, 23, was found unresponsive in his barracks room on March 7. He was transported to a base hospital and later pronounced dead.
Thomas was assigned to the 1st Squadron (Airborne), 40th Calvary Regiment.
