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Flags across Pennsylvania flew at half-staff over the weekend to honor Krystofer Lopez, an 18-year-old U.S. Army soldier killed during a training incident at Letterkenny Army Depot in Franklin County.
Lopez died Thursday (March 12) at the depot in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. The Army has not released an official cause of death, and the incident remains under active investigation by the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division.
Lopez served as a 31B military police officer with the Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD) Directorate of Emergency Services Law Enforcement Division. He was also a Personnel Force Innovation (PFI) member assigned to the 947th Quartermaster Company, a tenant unit based at LEAD. PFI is a Department of Defense program that places National Guard and Reserve soldiers on voluntary active-duty orders to meet temporary or surge staffing needs across defense agencies.
According to Letterkenny Army Depot, the depot posthumously promoted Lopez to the rank of specialist in recognition of his service.
Col. Caleb Lewis, commander of Letterkenny Army Depot, released a statement expressing grief over the loss. "The entire Letterkenny family is heartbroken by the loss of Pfc. Krystofer Lopez," Lewis said. "Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family, friends, and fellow Soldiers during this incredibly difficult time."
Lewis added that Lopez's "dedication to our nation's defense was evident to all who worked alongside him," and called on the community to respect the family's privacy as they mourn.
Lopez enlisted in the Army during his junior year at Biglerville High School in Adams County, where he also wrestled. He later attended Shippensburg University.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro ordered the flags lowered Saturday (March 14) and issued a public statement calling Lopez's death the "ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation." "Lori and I join 13 million Pennsylvanians in praying for his loved ones and the entire U.S. Army Reserve family," Shapiro wrote. "May his memory be a blessing."
The Army Criminal Investigation Division's inquiry into the circumstances of Lopez's death is ongoing. No timeline for the completion of the investigation has been announced.