Alaska Soldier Dead from Gunshot Wound, Police Investigating

Military.com | By Matthew Cox

Published August 05, 2019

A 25th Infantry Division soldier died of a gunshot wound in Fairbanks, Alaska Saturday evening, according to U.S. Army Alaska officials.

Details about the death of Pfc. Jeremiah Matthew Wombacher were sketchy on Monday, but the incident is under investigation by the Fairbanks Police Department, John Pennell, spokesman for U.S. Army Alaska, said in an Aug. 5 press release.

Wombacher, 22, was a cavalry scout assigned to the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th ID's 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, the release states.

"Jeremiah was an outstanding soldier and an essential part of this squadron," Lt. Col. Aaron Mock, 5-1 Cavalry commander, said in the release. "This is an extremely sad time for the organization, and we send our deepest condolences to his family and friends who are struggling with his loss. He will be deeply missed."

The Warrenton, Missouri native joined the Army in March 2018 and trained at Fort Benning, Georgia, before reporting to Alaska in July 2018, the release states.

Wombacher's awards included the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the release states.

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.

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Related Topics: Military Headlines Army Fort Wainwright Alaska

Matthew Cox

Matthew Cox has been a defense reporter since 1998. During his time with Military.com he covered all the services, with a close eye on Army weapons development and procurement, body armor testing, camouflage, ammunition as well as readiness and training issues. He previously worked for 12 years for Army Times. He traveled to Afghanistan and Iraq numerous times from 2002 to 2008, covering Stryker and light infantry units in combat. He also spent four years in the U.S. Army during the second half of the 1980s, serving as an infantryman in the 82nd Airborne Division. Read Full Bio

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