U.S. Army Officials Confirm Third Fort Hood Soldier Found Dead Near Base In a Month

Written by @kristenshylin_

According to ABC News, U.S. Army officials confirmed that the body found near the Texas army base was a Fort Hood soldier, marking the third Fort Hood soldier found dead in a month.

Fort Hood officials identified Pvt. Mejhor Morta, as the soldier found unresponsive on July 17 near Stillhouse Hollow Lake, a reservoir about 15 miles from the Army post in Texas.

Commander of 1st Brigade 5th Cavalry Regiment, Lt. Col. Neil Armstrong, said, “The Black Knight family is truly heartbroken by the tragic loss of Private Mejhor Morta.”

Armstrong said he sends his heartfelt condolences to Morta’s family, friends, and loved ones, NBC 29 reported.

”My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time,” he said. “Pvt. Morta was a great trooper, and this loss is felt by every member within our formation.”

Morta joined the Army last fall as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle Mechanic and since May 2020 had been assigned to Fort Hood’s 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

The Bell County Sheriff’s Department, who has not responded to the Associated Press for comment, is currently investigating Morta’s death. Authorities have not announced whether Morta’s death is suspected of foul play.

Within the past month, there has been a consistent pattern of Fort Hood soldiers discovered deceased near the Texas base.

On June 21, army officials found the skeletal remains of Fort Hood soldier Gregory Morales in the middle of a field 10 miles away Stillhouse Hollow Lake.

Subsequently, on July 1, officials unveiled the remains of another Fort Hood soldier identified as Pfc. Vanessa Guillen, who was found near the Leon River in Bell County.

There is currently no evidence that the deaths of Morta, Morales, and Guillen are connected.