KILLEEN – Army officials have launched an investigation into the death of a Fort Hood soldier who reportedly complained about sexual harassment at the post.
Pvt. Ana Basalduaruiz, 21, died on Monday, according to a statement released by the 1st Cavalry Division. Basalduaruiz was a combat engineer and had served the division for 15 months.
Her cause of death was not released, and Army officials said they are in contact with her family.
Basalduaruiz’s family told ABC News that they spoke to her every day and she reported sexual harassment at the installation, which is located in Killeen.
Her family said they had offered to pick her up after learning about the harassment.
In a statement, authorities said the Army Criminal Investigation Division and the chain of command are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of PV2 Ana Basalduaruiz, and we extend our sympathies to her father, mother, and her sister,” Lt. Col. Patrick Sullivan, commander of the 91st Engineer Battalion, said in the release. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. She was an exceptional teammate that will truly be missed.”
Basalduaruiz’s death comes nearly three years after the murder of Army specialist Vanessa Guillen, who was stationed at Fort Hood.
Guillen, 20, was last seen on April 22 in a parking lot at Fort Hood. She was killed by fellow soldier Aaron David Robinson, and her remains were found months later, Army officials have said.
Robinson killed himself when authorities tried to arrest him. Another suspect in the case, Cecily Aguilar, has pleaded guilty to one count of accessory to murder after the fact and three counts of false statement or representation, federal officials said.
Guillen’s family said she also reported sexual harassment at Fort Hood before her death.
In 2021, an investigation by the U.S. Army revealed that Guillen was sexually harassed by a supervisor but that leaders did not act accordingly.
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