82nd Airborne Division paratrooper dies from injuries at Louisiana training center

A Fort Liberty paratrooper died from injuries sustained in training last week, the 82nd Airborne Division announced Monday.

Pfc. Matthew Perez was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, according to a statement issued by Lt. Col. Cesar Santiago, director of the 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs. He sustained fatal injuries while training at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, Louisiana, Santiago said.

“His sudden loss has been felt across our formation, and we extend our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, and teammates within the Panther Brigade,” Col. Jaron Wharton, commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, said in a statement issued Monday about 6:30 p.m.

Lt. Gen. Chris Donahue, commander of the 18th Airborne Corps, said the "entire XVIII Airborne Corps mourns the loss...

“Paratroopers like him are what make this nation and our Army great, and his loss is truly heartbreaking for the Sky Dragon family," Donahue said in a statement posted to the Corps' social media. "Our priority is ensuring that his family receives the support and care they deserve during this difficult time.”

The 82nd Airborne Division said the incident is under investigation.

Further details were not released.

F.T. Norton can be reached at fnorton@fayobserver.com.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: 82nd Airborne paratrooper dies from injuries at Joint Readiness Center