Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include additional information about Perez’ service and circumstances of the training.
The 82nd Airborne Division has announced the recent death of one of its paratroopers, which is under investigation.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of Pfc. Matthew Perez, a paratrooper assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, from injuries sustained during training at the Joint Readiness Training Center on Sept. 13, 2024,” the division posted on its official Facebook page Monday.
The incident is under investigation. Perez’ injuries occurred on the day of his death and were related to airborne training operations at JRTC, officials told Army Times Wednesday.
The division posting encourages soldiers who require assistance to engage unit leadership directly for information on available resources.
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“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,” said Col. Jaron Wharton, 3rd BCT commander.
Perez, 20, from Whittier, California, enlisted in March 2023 as an infantryman, according to the Army. He graduated one-station unit training and Airborne School before being assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division in October. His awards include the Army Service Ribbon and the Marksmanship qualification badge.
The Joint Readiness Training Center is one of the Army’s major combat training centers located at Fort Johnson, Louisiana.
Todd South has written about crime, courts, government and the military for multiple publications since 2004 and was named a 2014 Pulitzer finalist for a co-written project on witness intimidation. Todd is a Marine veteran of the Iraq War.
