Spangdahlem Dorm Deaths Under Investigation

Editor’s Note: This story was updated on Jan. 10 and 11 with statements from the 52nd Fighter Wing command team.

Two USAF airmen at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, were pronounced dead on the evening of Jan. 9 after being discovered “unresponsive” in a dorm room about 20 minutes earlier, the 52nd Fighter Wing said in a Jan. 10 release

A senior leader from their unit found them there, 52nd Fighter Wing spokesperson SSgt. Levi Rowse told Air Force Magazine in a Jan. 11 email. The wing was slated to release a statement identifying the airmen on June 12.

“The Airmen were found unresponsive in a dorm room by a senior leader from the airmen’s unit,” Rowse wrote. “The cause of death is still under investigation.”

In a Jan. 10 Facebook post, wing leaders encouraged “anyone who is struggling and feels they could benefit from talking to someone” to seek help from resources on base. Rowse said a Disaster Mental Health Team has been activated to help the Spangdahlem community.

Dear Sabers, It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of two of our airmen, who were found unresponsive…Posted by 52nd FW Command Team on Friday, January 10, 2020

The Air Force Office of Special Investigations is leading the investigation into the airmen’s deaths, with support from the 52nd Security Forces, Rouse said.