Family demand answers over death of fit and healthy airman, 21, on remote Alaska base
The family of a healthy 21-year-old pilot has raised questions about the investigation into his death at a remote base in Alaska.
Tanner Young was found dead on December 23, 2023 in Fairbanks, Alaska by Alaska State Troopers while serving at Eielson Air Force Base.
Police determined that the young man committed suicide by causing a “self-inflicted wound” to himself.
But his parents Julie and Bobby Young and their attorney Dennis Shepard said further investigation should have been done.
Shepard told Lexus 18 on Monday: ‘There is no indication that they did anything, other than take the word of some state police officers that they inflicted the injury on themselves.
Tanner Young was found dead in Fairbanks, Alaska by Alaska State Troopers while serving at Eielson Air Force Base on December 23, 2023. His death was ruled a suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. PICTURED: From left to right Tanner and his mother Julie
His parents Julie and Bobby Young, along with their attorney Dennis Shepard, said further investigation should have been done
“There was also an Air Force Office of Special Investigation done, OSI done, over 100 pages and we haven’t seen that. It’s my job to get that report as well.
“I don’t believe anyone from the state police to the Air Force has investigated those other areas. That’s what I’m going to investigate in this case.”
Shepard plans to interview people close to Young, witnesses in the housing unit and his widow Mackenzie.
Shepard declined to comment to DailyMail.com, saying the investigation is still in its early stages and the attorney was only hired “a few days ago.”
The incident report, obtained by Lex 18, shows that Young’s “estranged” wife called Mackenzie and expressed concern for his safety, saying he was suicidal.
Police advised Mackenzie not to meet Young for her safety.
The incident report, obtained by Lex18, stated that Young’s “estranged” wife Mackenzie called with concerns about his safety and said he was suicidal. PHOTO: From left, Mackenzie and Tanner
Alaska State Troopers drove to his apartment where they found the young man dead from a “self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.”
Young was described on his obituary page as a “dedicated and honorable member of the military who was recently named ‘Airman of the Quarter’ and promoted to Senior Airman”
Officers alerted the air base to take suicide prevention measures for Young and drove to his apartment, where they found the young man dead from a “self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.”
Young was described in his death page as “a dedicated and honorable serviceman who was recently named ‘Airman of the Quarter’ and promoted to Senior Airman.”
The young pilot had been in the air force for over two years when he was found dead in his apartment.
Eielson Air Force Base did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com.