Decorated Drill Sergeant Found Dead at Fort Jackson, Investigation Underway

A decorated soldier stationed at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, has died, according to the U.S. Army. Staff Sgt. Corey R. Brown, a 34-year-old drill sergeant, was found unresponsive in his home on Sunday and later died.

Brown, a native of High Point, North Carolina, served with the 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, and had been in the Army for over 13 years. He received numerous awards and decorations, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

The cause of death has not been determined, and there is no word on whether foul play is suspected. Fort Jackson is cooperating with an investigation, but details on which agency is leading the investigation were not available.

This is the latest in a series of deaths at Fort Jackson, including multiple drill sergeants and trainees. In 2023, at least three members of the Army based at Fort Jackson died, including Sgt. Jaime Contreras, who died during a training exercise in June, and two drill sergeants, Staff Sgt. Allen M. Burtram and Staff Sgt. Zachary L. Melton, who were found dead in December.

Fort Jackson commander, Maj. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, expressed condolences to Brown's family and fellow soldiers, saying, “This is a solemn day for Team Jackson as we mourn the loss of a teammate and friend.”