Death of Northeast Ohio soldier under investigation at Fort Drum

FORT DRUM, N.Y. (WJW) – The Department of the Army Criminal Investigation division is investigating the death of a soldier from Northeast Ohio at Fort Drum in New York.

According to a news release, Jacob Ashton, 21, of Perry, was found dead on post on Aug. 5.

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The Army released no further details about the circumstances of his death.

In a statement, Col. Anthony Gore, 2nd Brigade Combat Team commander, said: “Our entire Commando family feels profound sorrow for the loss of Jacob. While words do little to ease the pain of Jacob’s passing, we are a family, and we will wrap our arms around his family as well as support each other. Let us live in a manner worthy of honoring Jacob’s life and service. As we mourn, I ask each of us to keep his family in our thoughts and prayers.”

Specialist Ashton is from the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI).

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He enlisted in 2021 and served in Iraq in 2023.

Ashton’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with C Device, the National Defense Service Medal, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War of Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Fort Drum is planning a memorial in his honor, according to a news release.

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