FORT BRAGG (Tribune News Service) — A Fort Bragg paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team was pronounced dead Friday after he was found unresponsive in his barracks room, Army officials said.

Pfc. Mikel Rubino, 29, of Oroville, Calif., was an infantryman in the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, according to a statement released by the division Saturday. He was declared deceased by emergency medical workers who were called to the barracks, it said.

Col. Phillip J. Kiniery III, commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, said the loss is a tragedy to the soldier's family, friends and fellow paratroopers.

"We mourn Mikel's passing alongside his family," Kiniery said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult time."

Rubino is survived by his wife Alyssa, his daughter Legacy, and his mother Sheila, according to the statement. He joined the Army in 2020 and came to Fort Bragg this year.

Rubino's awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Army Parachutist Badge, the statement said.

His death is under investigation.

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