A Fort Riley soldier was found dead in nearby Manhattan, Kansas, on Tuesday, according to a news release from the 1st Infantry Division.



Spc. Phillip Cruz-Medellin, a 21-year-old satellite communications systems operator-maintainer, had been with the 267th Signal Company, Special Troops Battalion, 1st Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade since October 2015, according to the release.



"We are all greatly saddened by the loss of Spc. Cruz-Medellin," said Lt. Col. Russell Klauman, his battalion commander. "We are committed to helping Phillip's family and friends in this difficult time."



Cruz-Medellin was from Prairie Lea, Texas. He enlisted in October 2014.



His death is under investigation by local civilian authorities.

