Officials are investigating the death of a ‘superb’ Fort Bragg soldier

The death of a Fort Bragg soldier is currently under investigation, officials said.

Sgt. Matthew D. Joskowitz, 24, of Hackensack, New Jersey, died on Fort Bragg at about 9 p.m. Thursday in a non-training related incident, officials said.

Joskowitz was an infantryman assigned to 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. Joskowitz, and our thoughts and prayers are with his fellow troopers and their families,” said Maj. Gen. James Mingus, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division. “He represented what is exceptional in our Division, our Army, and our nation. He was a three-time volunteer who excelled at everything. He will be mourned but never forgotten.”

Lt. Col. Christopher Brawley, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, said Joskowitz was “revered by his fellow paratroopers,” and was a “superb non-commissioned officer.”

“We are focusing on caring for his friends and family as they mourn this tragic loss,” Brawley said.

Officials said Joskowitz joined the Army in May of 2014 and spent his five-year career at Fort Bragg, to include serving in various positions with Bravo, Delta and Headquarters Companies of the 2nd Battalion 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment.

Capt. Christopher Cioffoletti, the Delta Company commander, expressed condolences to Joskowitz's family.

“A rising star in our battalion, Sgt. Joskowitz was motivated by a deep love for both his country and his fellow paratroopers,” Cioffoletti said. “Joskowitz was an exemplary noncommissioned officer and paratrooper in every sense. His loss will be deeply felt by the entire Geronimo family.”

Joskowitz's awards include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Army Commendation Medal (with two oak leaf clusters), Army Achievement Medal (with combat device), Army Achievement Medal (with three oak leaf cluster), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with one campaign star), Global War on Terror Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and the NATO Medal.

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