A 20-year-old soldier was pronounced dead after being found in her assigned barracks room Monday at Fort Bliss, post officials said.
Pvt. Marriah A. Pouncy was discovered unresponsive in her barracks room and later was pronounced dead by Fort Bliss Department of Emergency Services personnel, Fort Bliss officials said.
Pouncy’s death is under investigation.
Post officials said no foul play is suspected at this time and no threat is posed to the installation. Officials added they believed the death is an isolated incident.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and fellow soldiers of Pvt. Marriah Pouncy,” Col. Geoffrey Whittenberg, 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade commander, said in a statement. “Pvt. Pouncy was a committed soldier, friend, and valued member of the Iron Eagle Team. Her loss is not just felt within our formation, but across the Army.”
He added, “We ask that during these challenging times that you continue to reach out to your fellow soldiers and families as we grieve the loss of our Iron Soldier. Chaplains, behavioral health professionals, and other resources are available to help during this grieving process.”
Pouncy, who is originally from Chinle, Arizona, was a human resources specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade.
She was stationed at Fort Bliss in December 2019. Pouncy served a short tour assignment to Camp Red Cloud and Camp Casey in Korea, officials said.
Pouncy completed basic combat training and advanced individual training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
Pouncy’s awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon, officials said.
This is the second death of a Fort Bliss soldier who was found dead in the barracks on the post since December.
Pfc. Asia Graham, 19, was found dead in her barracks room New Year’s Eve.
A military autopsy determined Graham died due to “accidental mixed drug intoxication” of fentanyl and multiple synthetic cannabinoids, Fort Bliss officials said.
Graham’s death occurred almost a year to the day after she was sexually assaulted by another Fort Bliss soldier.
Pfc. Christian G. Alvarado was sentenced to 18 years in prison in a court-martial after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting Graham and another female soldier.
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