U.S. Army launches investigation into death of 21-year-old Fort Drum soldier

A public affairs image taken at Fort Drum. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Amber Edwards.)

Timia Cobb
syracuse.com
(TNS)

Fort Drum, N.Y. — The death of a 21-year-old U.S. Army specialist is under investigation at Fort Drum.

Army specialist Jacob Ashton, of Perry, Ohio, was found dead Monday while he was on post, Fort Drum officials said in a news release Tuesday.

Ashton was found on the Fort Drum base, according to the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division.

His death is being investigated by the same criminal investigation division, they said. Fort Drum officials declined to release further details of the case while the investigation continues.

Ashton enlisted in 2021 and attended his basic combat training in Fort Moore, Georgia. In 2023, he was deployed to Iraq with the 10th Mountain Division 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

Ashton collected various awards and decorations during his service, including the global war of terrorism service medal, the army service ribbon and the Combat Infantry badge.

“Our entire Commando family feels profound sorrow for the loss of Jacob,” said Col. Anthony Gore, commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

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