On Monday, the U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood training installation reported that Sgt. Sarah Roque was initially missing.
A soldier from northeast Indiana who was reported missing has tragically been found deceased at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Sgt. Sarah Roque, a 23-year-old soldier, was first reported as missing by the U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood training installation in southern Missouri on Monday, October 21st.
Roque’s last known whereabouts were in the Fort Leonard Wood area, as stated in a Facebook post by the training installation. Unfortunately, neither her chain of command nor her family were able to get in touch with her.
The afternoon of Tuesday, Oct. 22 marked the tragic discovery of her lifeless body, as announced by Fort Leonard Wood.
Roque, from Ligionier, Indiana, served in the 5th Engineer Battalion as a bridge crewmember. Additionally, she had the responsibility of being a mine dog handler with the K-9 detachment.
Ligionier, located in Noble County, is situated approximately 40 miles northwest of Fort Wayne.
In 2020, she joined the military and underwent basic combat training at Fort Leonard Wood, according to officials.
Roque received several prestigious accolades during her tenure in the military, including the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.
Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, the commanding general of the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood team, expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss. He extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and fellow Soldiers of Sergeant Roque.
The Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division is currently investigating Roque’s death.
“Sergeant Roque was not only a dedicated Soldier, but also a cherished daughter, sister, and friend. She made the brave and honorable choice to serve our country, and her loss has left a profound void within our team. Although words cannot fully alleviate the pain, we are committed to providing care, resources, and support to those who have been affected during this challenging period,” Beck expressed.