The Leaf-Chronicle

FORT POLK, La. – A 101st Airborne soldier died during training on Thursday during what was termed "a routine vehicle movement to a training area" at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Polk, Louisiana..

According to a spokesman for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Sgt. Tyler A. Zody, 20, died as a result of an accident involving one vehicle that also injured three soldiers.

The incident is under investigation.

Zody was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans" at Fort Campbell as a senior sniper.

"Tyler was a dedicated and talented young NCO," said Lt. Col. Marc Cloutier, Commander of the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment. "The Leader Battalion family will miss him dearly."

A native of Flemming Island, Florida, Zody was born Aug. 21, 1993. After he enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 2011, Zody completed basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, as an infantryman. After graduating from training, he was assigned as a grenadier in Company A, 1st Bn, 187th Inf. Rgt in December of the same year.

Zody completed one combat deployment with the Rakkasans.

His military education includes the Basic Airborne Course, the Air Assault Course and the Warrior Leader Course.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge and Expert Marksmanship Badge.

"On behalf of the Rakkasan brigade, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and fellow soldiers who knew Sgt. Zody," said 3rd BCT commander Col. J.B. Vowell. "And I wish for a speedy recovery of our injured Rakkasans."

Zody is survived by his parents.

The 3rd BCT is currently training at Fort Polk for an upcoming fall deployment of part of the brigade to Afghanistan.