Sgt. Elder Fernandes was reported missing on August 19, two days after he was last seen.
Initial examination of a body found in Texas has led officials to believe it is the body of the missing Fort Hood soldier, Fox News reports.
Around 5:30 pm on Tuesday, Temple, Texas police received a call saying a male was seen near railroad tracks. Upon arrival, authorities discovered a dead body they say could be that of the 23-year-old missing sergeant.
Foul play has not been immediately suspected; however, an investigation into the cause of death will continue.
According to the Associated Press, the body was found 30 miles away from Fort Hood.
In addition to Fernandes’ disappearance, the base has witnessed a string of tragedies this year alone, including Spc. Francisco Gilberto Hernandez-Vargas, 24, who died in a boating accident in August, and then in July, Pvt. Mejhor Morta, 26, who drowned at Stillhouse Lake.
The base also made headlines after the disappearance of Pfc. Vanessa Guillen, she was later found dead in July. Aaron David Robinson, another soldier at Fort Hood who was a suspect in Guillen’s disappearance, killed himself when police officers tried to make contact with him in July.
In June, the remains of Pvt. Gregory Morales were discovered, a year after he vanished. The U.S. Army said they believe foul play is expected in his case.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Fernandes family during this challenging time,” Temple police Chief Shawn Reynolds said.
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