Off-duty US Army Black Hawk pilot found dead on Honduras riverbank
A U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter pilot was found dead on a riverbank in west-central Honduras several miles outside of an airbase over the weekend, officials confirmed.
An investigation is currently underway into the death of 25-year-old 1st Lt. Marciano Parisano, whose body was found on May 3 at around 2 p.m. local time in city of Comayagua, the Honduran National Police confirmed.
The South Texas native's body was found while he was on leave away from the Comayagua base, according to the U.S. Embassy.
"It is with deep sorrow and great sadness that we mourn the passing of Lieutenant Marciano Parisano. He served our unit and the mission at Soto Cano Air Base with honor, pride, and courage," U.S. Army Colonel Daniel Alder said in a news release. "His contribution to our team was invaluable."
The circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated by Honduran National Police, the U.S. Embassy in Honduras and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Department.
Who was Marciano Parisano?
Marciano Parisano was a 25-year-old U.S. Army soldier from Cibolo, Texas.
He graduated in the top percentage of his class at Steele High School, part of the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District, according to Texas news station KENS. In May 2023, he graduated from the United States Military Academy West Point after leading several student organizations.
He served as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot with the 228th Aviation Regiment, the U.S. Embassy confirmed.
"He will be deeply missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him and serving alongside him," Alder said in a news release. "The command team extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. We share their grief during this difficult time. The loss of a Soldier is always an irreparable tragedy."
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