Drill sergeant, 30, is found dead in vehicle at US Army’s Fort Jackson marking the second death at the South Carolina base in just 10 days
A U.S. Army drill sergeant from Fort Jackson was found dead in his vehicle, becoming the second death at the South Carolina base in just 10 days.
Zachary Melton, 30, was found unconscious in his car on Saturday after failing to show up for work.
The Emergency Services Directorate was called and paramedics pronounced him dead shortly after arrival, a news release said.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Staff Sgt. Melton. Our thoughts are with his family and the Soldiers of the Always Forward Battalion at this very emotional time,” Brig. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, commanding general of Fort Jackson, said.
On December 8, Staff Sgt. Allen M. Burtram, 34, was also found dead after failing to report to work. Fort Jackson officials said they are investigating both deaths and the cause is unknown at this time.
Zachary Melton, 30, was found unconscious in his car on Saturday after failing to show up for work
On October 8, Staff Sgt. Allen M. Burtram, 34, was also found dead in his car after failing to report to work
Melton was a native of Huntsville, Alabama, and previously served as a drill sergeant with the 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment.
He was in the Army for ten years and for the past three years he served as a drill sergeant at Fort Jackson.
During his journey he was awarded the Parachutist Badge, served as an Equal Opportunity Representative and completed the Marksmanship Master Trainer Course.
Many heartfelt messages were posted on Facebook after the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Jackson page announced his death.
'Damn DS Melton. May you rest in peace and love,” one comment read.
'He was such a good guy. He will be greatly missed,” said another.
Burtram was a drill sergeant with the 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment. According to a news release from the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Jackson, Burtram spent 12 years in the military.
He has served as a drill sergeant for the past eighteen months and has received fourteen medals, five of which are Army Achievement medals.
He was from Cleveland, Alabama, and had previously been deployed to Kuwait for eight months and Korea for 12 months.
'He changed me in a good way. He shaped me into the person I feel I am today,” said Nick Martenelli-Reiter, who served at Burtram for three years. News19.
“There was never a time when he wasn't there for everyone. I mean, he was the guy anyone could go to and talk to.”
A total of three drill sergeants have died at Fort Jackson in 2023, according to Newsweek
Burtram was from Cleveland, Alabama and had previously been deployed to Kuwait for eight months and Korea for 12 months
Burtram was also a loving father to three children and husband to his wife Kay.
Fort Jackson said they are providing behavioral health personnel and military chaplains to support unit members.
The military base is the main production center for Basic Combat Training, training 45,000 basic and 12,000 advanced soldiers annually.
A total of three drill sergeants died at Fort Jackson in 2023 Newsweek.