‘Beloved’ Army paratrooper killed in motorcycle accident

Rest in peace, Sgt. Hughes.

A paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division died on Sept. 4 in Fayetteville, N.C., as a result of a motorcycle accident.

Sgt. David Eugene Hughes Jr., 32, was an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator with A Troop, 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, according to a division press release. He was from Fresno, California. 

Lt. Col. Margaret Stick, commander of the 1-17 said in the release that Hughes was “a beloved member of the Saber Family.” 

“The shock of his sudden passing has been felt throughout the formation,” Stick said. “Although only with the formation for a few short months, his professionalism, competence and caring demeanor made him an invaluable member of the team – a true friend and mentor. He will be greatly missed.” 

Among his service awards and decorations are the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal with knot device, and more.

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Haley Britzky

Former Army Reporter

Haley Britzky was the Task & Purpose Army reporter from 2019 to 2022. She previously worked at Axios covering breaking news. She reports on important developments within the service, from new uniforms to new policies; the realities of military life facing soldiers and their families; and broader cultural issues that expand outside of the Army, touching each of the military services.Â