Fort Hood soldier found dead behind barracks, the latest in a string of deaths and missing soldier incidents
A Fort Hood soldier was found dead behind his company barracks over the weekend, according to the U.S. Army.
He was identified Wednesday as 26-year-old Spc. Maxwell Hockin, assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
Hockin enlisted in March 2017 as a combat engineer and has been assigned to the 91st Engineer Battalion at Fort Hood since July 2017.
Among his commendations are the Army Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
Officials are still working to notify the soldier’s next of kin.
“The entire Saber family is devastated by the loss of our true teammate and friend Specialist Maxwell Hockin,” Lt. Col. Patrick Sullivan, commander of the 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.”
A cause of death has not yet been revealed and an investigation is underway.
The news comes just days after another soldier, Pfc. Jennifer Sewell, was reported missing after failing to report to duty on Thursday. Sewell was eventually found safe with family.
Fort Hood has been scrambling for stability as the number of killed or missing soldiers has continued to rise, with at least 33 last year.
The most public of them was Spc. Vanessa Guillen, who disappeared in April 2020 and was later found dead. Another soldier, 20-year-old Aaron David Robinson, was accused of killing and dismembering her, along with the help of his girlfriend. Robinson died by suicide before police arrested him.
