Fort Bragg paratroopers mourn loss of paratrooper who died in military vehicle accident
FORT BRAGG — Fort Bragg officials have identified an 82nd Airborne Division soldier who died in a military vehicle accident on post Thursday.
Spc. Luis Herrera, 23, of Marion, North Carolina, was injured and died as the military vehicle he was in conducted routine training, a news release said.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation, the news release said.
Herrera was assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team's Raider Company, 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment.
He is survived by his wife and parents, the news release said.
Related reporting: Fort Bragg soldier dies in accident on post; 3 others injured
Three other soldiers were injured. One soldier was treated at Womack Army Medical Center; two others were admitted for treatment and observation.
Capt. Daigoroh Abreu, Herrera's company commander, said "thoughts and prayers" are with Herrea's wife, family and his fellow paratroopers.
“Big Lou's presence was a gift to us all, and his radiant smile brought warmth to all who knew him," Abreau said.
Col. Theodore Kleisner, commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, described Herrera as "an exceptional paratrooper and an engaged friend to all those who knew him."
"Luis was a soldier’s soldier who always led by example and never missed a chance to leave a positive impact on those around him,” Kleisner said. “Our brigade was made better by the selfless service of Spc. Herrera."
Kleisner said leaders and paratroopers are committed to ensuring resources are available for Herrera's family and peers.
Huge savings: $1 for 6 months
Subscribe today to support local journalism and enjoy unlimited digital access including videos, apps, sports news, and more. Special introductory offer for new subscribers only.
According to the news release, a memorial for Herrera will be held by the 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment in the coming weeks.
Herrera joined the Army in November 2017 as an infantryman and deployed twice to Kuwait. His military awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Parachutist Badge.
Staff writer Rachael Riley can be reached at rriley@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3528.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fort Bragg officials identify soldier killed in military vehicle accident
