The soldier found dead at Ford Hood base during the weekend was a decorated specialist with an 'outstanding work ethic,' military officials have said.
Specialist Maxwell Hockin, 26, was found unresponsive behind his company barracks on Saturday, and declared dead shortly after.
Spc. Hockin joined the military in 2017 and was most recently assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
'The entire Saber family is devastated by the loss of our true teammate and friend,' Lt. Col. Patrick Sullivan, commander, 91st Engineer Battalion, said in a statement.
'He had an outstanding work ethic, was a mentor to his peers, and was always willing to help out the team. He will truly be missed. Our thoughts and our prayers are with Maxwell’s family during this difficult time.'
Hockin earned a number of decorations, including the Army Good Conduct medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command is investigating.
Specialist Maxwell Hockin was identified October 13 as the soldier found dead at Fort Hood
A 1st Cavalry Division soldier was found dead behind his company barracks at Fort Hood (pictured) over the weekend, Army officials have confirmed
The death is the latest in a string of incidents involving soldiers connected to Fort Hood, with 31 people having died in 2020 alone.
MailOnline has approached the US Army for additional comment.
Last year, 20-year-old Spc. Vanessa Guillen disappeared in April and was later found to have been bludgeoned to death with a hammer in the armory where she worked.
The main suspect in her disappearance, Spc. Aaron Robinson, 20, killed himself when investigators confronted him.
The string of deaths led to an independent review of the climate and culture at Fort Hood and led to the punishment of 14 senior officers.
The Army later released a report on their findings, which revealed Guillen was sexually harassed and reported it two times.
Last year, 20-year-old Spc. Vanessa Guillen (pictured) disappeared from Fort Hood and was later found to have been bludgeoned to death with a hammer in the armory where she worked
It said Guillen’s leaders didn’t take appropriate action and the allegations were not moved up the chain of command.
Her family has continued to push for change leading to federal lawmakers introducing legislation on how to handle sexual assaults outside of the chain of command and to give them to independent military prosecutors.
Reports of toxic culture and abuse on the base have been under increased focus as a result of the 31 soldiers connected with the fort who lost their lives in 2020.
Last week, Pfc. Jennifer Sewell (pictured) based at Fort Hood, disappeared on Thursday last week and was eventually found safe with relatives after going AWOL
Officials had initially asked for help from the public in an effort to find Jennifer Sewell, who was last seen around 4pm on Thursday leaving her barracks according to the Fort Hood Directorate of Emergency Services. She had not been seen since.
Sewell, a private first class soldier at the base, was reported missing Friday after she failed to show up to work.
Fort Hood put out a public alert asking for help finding the missing solider.
On Sunday, by around 7pm, officials from Fort Hood confirmed that leadership from Sewell’s chain of command spoke to her family.
Sewell’s family confirmed she was safe and with extended family after she did not respond to repeated calls by law enforcement or her superiors.
Fort Hood officials said they continue to remain in communication with Sewell’s family and friends, 'to ensure she has access to resources she may need and to return her safely to Fort Hood,' Fort Hood Press Center said in a statement on Sunday.
'Pfc. Sewell is a valued member of our team, and our number one priority is ensuring her safe return. We are in regular contact with her family and will provide any assistance she and her family may need to return to Fort Hood,' said Ltc. Octavia Davis, commander of Regimental Support Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment.
It is not clear if she will face disciplinary action for going AWOL.
'Initial investigation appears that Sewell left for unknown reasons on her own accord,' a statement explained prior to the news of her safe whereabouts, which noted she does not own a vehicle.
At this stage, it is not known why she decided to leave the base.
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