A paratrooper who died in a military vehicle accident on Fort Bragg last week has been identified, and military officials on post are mourning his loss.
Spc. Luis Herrera, 23, of Marion, died from injuries sustained in an accident that occurred during routine military training, officials said Friday.
“Big Lou’s presence was a gift to us all, and his radiant smile brought warmth to all who knew him,” Capt. Daigoroh Abreu, Herrera’s company commander, told WTVD. “Our thoughts and prayers, along with the Paratroopers of ‘Geronimo’ 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, are with Spc. Herrera’s wife and loved ones as we mourn the loss of Luis.”
Herrera was a credit to the service and will be remembered for his personal and professional attributes, another officer noted.
“Spc. Herrera was an exceptional Paratrooper and an engaged friend to all those who knew him,” Col. Theodore Kleisner said. “Luis was a soldier’s soldier who always led by example and never missed a chance to leave a positive impact on those around him. Our brigade was made better by the selfless service of Spc. Herrera. The leaders and Paratroopers of 1st Brigade Combat Team are committed to ensuring every resource is available to his family and peers to help them through this difficult time.”
Three other soldiers were injured in the accident, and all are expected to recover, the report said. One was treated at Womack Army Medical Center and released. The other two soldiers were admitted for treatment and observation.
The deadly incident is being investigated.
Herrera enlisted in November 2017 as an infantryman and served two deployments to Kuwait, the WTVD report said. He earned the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Parachutist Badge.
The 2-501st Parachute Infantry Regiment will host a memorial for Herrera in the coming weeks.
Herrera is survived by his wife, parents, family and friends.
