In the fall of 2019, a tragic incident cut short the life of a decorated U.S. Army sergeant, leaving family and friends to mourn a man described as a poet with a deep love for art and music. Sgt. Alexis Sanchez, a 30-year-old male of Cuban heritage, was fatally shot in his Colorado Springs apartment on the evening of October 27, 2019. At the time of his death, Sanchez was a soldier with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Carson.
He had served a nearly nine-month tour in Afghanistan and had been assigned to Fort Carson since October 2017.
The shooting occurred in Sanchez's residence in the 3800 block of Westmeadow Drive. According to law enforcement, Sanchez was in his apartment when a firearm discharged, striking him. He was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and died at the scene. The investigation into his death led to the arrest of a fellow soldier and acquaintance, 22-year-old Cpl. William Garcia. Garcia was also a member of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team and had deployed to Afghanistan with Sanchez.
Following an investigation by the Colorado Springs Police Department's Homicide/Assault Unit, William Garcia was taken into custody and charged with manslaughter. Detectives learned that Garcia had been handling a firearm inside the residence when it discharged, leading to the fatal shot that killed Sanchez. The incident was a somber moment for the Fort Carson community, with the commander of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team expressing his condolences to the families and friends affected by the tragedy.
Alexis Sanchez, who enlisted in the Army in May 2014, was remembered as more than just a soldier. Friends recalled his artistic and sensitive nature, a stark contrast to the uniform he wore with pride. He left behind a young son. Following his death, Sanchez's body was flown to Miami, where he was honored with a water cannon salute upon arrival. His wake and burial were held in Miami, where his family resides.
