Two U.S. Army Alaska soldiers were found dead in their vehicles over the holiday weekend in separate incidents that investigators believe did not involve foul play, the U.S. Army first announced late Tuesday.
On Sunday, Sgt. Miles Jordan Tarron, 30, was discovered dead in his car in Anchorage, Alaska. Officials are investigating Tarron’s death, but no “foul play” is suspected, U.S. Army Alaska told American Military News in an email.
Days earlier on Friday, Spc. Isaiah Nicholas Oneal, 22, was found dead in his vehicle in Fairbanks, Alaska. Alaska State Troopers and the Army Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the cause of death, but “foul play is not suspected.”
Tarron was an Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) weapons and Weapons of Mass Destruction specialist with the 6th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
From Indianola, Okla., Tarron joined the Army in 2016 and trained at Fort Jackson and Fort Bragg before transferring to Alaska in March of this year.
“Sgt. Tarron was more than just a disciplined paratrooper,” said Lt. Col. Justin Pritchard, 6th BEB commander. “He was also a dedicated husband, father and friend whose infectious smile and light-hearted demeanor made all those around him feel welcomed.”
Tarron’s service included deployments to Afghanistan and Kuwait. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with “C” device, the Army Commendation Medal, two awards of the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Parachutist Badge and the Combat Action Badge.
Oneal was an Army wheeled vehicle mechanic with the 25th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division at Fort Wainwright.
From Tyner, N.C., Oneal had enlisted in the Army in November 2017 and trained at Fort Bragg before reporting to Alaska earlier this year.
“The 25th Brigade Support Battalion extends our deepest sympathy for the loss of Spc. Isaiah Oneal,” said 25th BSB commander Lt. Col. William Bennett in a statement. “Isaiah was a dedicated soldier and we continue to grieve, while also cherishing the memories had with him.
“During this difficult time, we ask those distressed to seek assistance,” Bennett added. “We ask that all Arctic Wolves to check on their fellow soldiers and families and to look out and take care of each other during the holidays.”
During his service, Oneal had earned the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.
