82nd Airborne paratrooper dies near Fort Bragg

A paratrooper from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died Thursday in an off-post incident, according to an Army news release.

Spc. Johnathon D. Poole, of Oxford, Iowa, was assigned to Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

The Fayetteville Police Department is investigating the incident, according to a spokesman with the 82nd Airborne Division. The nature of the incident was not announced as of mid-day Monday, and the police department did not respond immediately to Army Times' request for comment. 

The 26-year-old infantryman joined the Army in February 2012 and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division in February 2013.

"Specialist Johnathon Poole was an outstanding Paratrooper and a valued member of our team," Lt. Col. Rhett Thompson, battalion commander, said in the release. "Condolences from the '2 Panther' Paratroopers go out to his family and friends."

Spc. Johnathon Poole died in an off-post incident near Fort Bragg on Thursday. Police are investigating what happened.

Photo Credit: Army

"Specialist Poole was a young leader who served honorably with the battalion as a heavy weapons gunner while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq in 2015," Thompson said.  "He will truly be missed."

Poole's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Parachutist Badge and the Air Assault Badge.

Charlsy Panzino covers the Guard and Reserve, training, technology, operations and features for Army Times and Air Force Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.  

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