Soldier Killed at Fort Drum

U.S. Army Specialist Jacob Ashton, 21, was found dead at Fort Drum, New York, just a day after returning from a weekend visit to his hometown in Ohio. His roommate, Specialist Riley Birbilas, has been charged with premeditated murder and obstruction of justice in connection with Ashton's death. The two soldiers served together in Iraq, and the circumstances surrounding Ashton's death remain under investigation, with officials not disclosing a motive or cause of death. Ashton, a graduate of Perry High School in Ohio, was remembered fondly by his former counselor, Lisa Gigante, who described him as a dedicated community volunteer and one of the most polite students she had encountered. Gigante expressed her shock and heartbreak over the incident, emphasizing the confusion surrounding the tragedy. She stated, "We feel like this person shouldn’t even be out in the world. He doesn’t deserve it." Specialist Ashton was part of the Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. He enlisted in 2021 and completed Basic Combat Training at Fort Moore, Georgia, before deploying to Iraq in 2023. The community is now mourning his loss, with calls to honor his life and service while keeping his family in their thoughts and prayers. The investigation into the circumstances of Ashton's death continues, as the Army seeks to provide clarity on this tragic event.