Fort Hood Army Base Claims “No Foul Play” Was Evident In The Death Of A Female Soldier Who Previously Complained About Sexual Harassment

A female soldier’s family who passed away at Fort Hood are seeking answers after U.S. Army investigators claimed there was no foul play involved in her death.

It was recently reported that 21-year-old Pvt. Ana Basalduaruiz passed away while stationed at Fort Hood in Texas. Basalduaruiz was a combat engineer and served with the 1st Cavalry Division for the past 15 months before her death on March 13th.

According to Basalduaruiz’s parents, the base officials told them her death was caused by suicide. However, Basalduaruiz’s mother, Alejandra Ruiz Zarco, says her daughter complained about being sexually harassed by an Army superior and others stationed at the base.

Additionally, Basalduaruiz’s  family also claimed they have been left in the dark regarding the details of their relatives death.

“Nobody really has a valid timeline right now,” Lucy Del Gaudio, a spokesperson for Basalduaruiz’ family said. “The Army is doing what they always do, not saying anything. At this time, they just need support, they want to see how they can get answers- any answers they can possibly get.”

Fort Hood released a statement saying they were in the process of collecting important information and actively investigating the crime.

“Army CID will continue to conduct a thorough investigation and gather all evidence and facts to ensure they discover exactly what transpired. Information related to any possible harassment will be addressed and investigated fully,” the statement read.

The news about Basalduaruiz comes just three years after the death of 20-year-old soldier Vanessa Guillén. Guillén disappeared in 2020 shortly after she made allegations of sexual harassment against Army Spc. Aaron David Robinson. Robinson fatally shot himself during an attempted arrest by the police in relation to Guillén’s homicide.