FORT JACKSON, S.C. - The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is currently investigating the death of Staff Sgt. Zachary L. Melton, the second drill sergeant found dead at Fort Jackson this month. Melton, 30, who served with the 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, was discovered in his vehicle on Saturday after he failed to report for work.

The staff sergeant's body was found by Unit personnel, and he was pronounced dead by the Directorate of Emergency Services and Emergency Medical Services personnel who arrived at the scene. Military chaplains and behavioral health professionals have been made available to provide support to the affected members of Melton's unit.

Fort Jackson officials expressed their deep sadness over the loss of Staff Sgt. Melton and extended condolences to his family and comrades in the Always Forward battalion during this difficult time. Brig. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, Fort Jackson commanding general, shared his thoughts, saying, "We are extremely saddened by the loss of Staff Sgt. Melton. Our thoughts are with his family and the soldiers of the Always Forward battalion during this very emotional time."

This unfortunate event comes just two weeks after the death of another drill sergeant at Fort Jackson. On December 9, 34-year-old Allen M. Burtram, a drill sergeant from the 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, was found deceased by unit members after he failed to report for duty. No signs of foul play were apparent in Burtram's case, according to fort Jackson officials.

The full details of Melton's death and the circumstances leading up to it have not yet been released, as the U.S. Army CID is actively investigating the incident. As investigations continue, Fort Jackson remains committed to providing necessary support to their personnel and ensuring the well-being of all members of the base.

These unfortunate incidents have deeply saddened the Fort Jackson community, emphasizing the importance of support and resources for military personnel facing emotional and mental health challenges. The Army is dedicated to addressing these issues and providing assistance to its members in times of need.

Fort Jackson, the largest initial entry training center in the United States Army, will be closely monitoring the progress of the investigations and taking appropriate actions to prevent such tragedies in the future.