Jason Wiens, a 24-year-old Caucasian male, was found dead on April 23, 2017, in his off-post apartment in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Wiens, a combat medic with the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, had been serving at Fort Bragg since January 2016. He enlisted in the Army in October 2011 and had previously served as an ambulance driver and emergency care sergeant with the 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Riley, Kansas.
Wiens had deployed to combat twice and was recognized for his service with several awards and decorations, including the Army Commendation Medal with "C" device for combat, the Army Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, and the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal.
The Fayetteville Police Department responded to a 911 call from Wiens' ex-wife, who discovered his body around 1:00 p.m. on April 23, 2017. Authorities found Wiens with a gunshot wound and are investigating his death as a suicide. The police have not reported any arrests, suspects, or ongoing investigations related to Wiens' death.
Wiens' death has been a significant loss to his unit and the military community. Lt. Col. Jeremy Mushtare, deputy brigade commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, expressed his condolences, stating that Wiens was a valued member of the Falcon Brigade and had volunteered to serve as a paratrooper during a time of war. His teammates in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team mourn his loss and extend their sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time.
The investigation into Wiens' death is ongoing, but no further details have been released regarding any potential foul play or other circumstances surrounding his death. The Fayetteville Police Department continues to handle the case, and the military community remains supportive of Wiens' family and friends as they navigate this tragic loss.
