An American soldier deployed to Europe in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve was found dead in Germany on Sunday, according to a statement released by the U.S. Army on Tuesday.

1st Sgt. Nicholas S. Amsberry, 34, of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division out of Fort Riley, Kansas, was found dead early on Tuesday near the train station in Parsberg, Germany. According to a statement released by the Department of Defense, Amsberry’s body was first reported to the police, and then to emergency medical services, who pronounced him dead at the scene.

No information has been released thus far regarding the cause of death, though the DoD stated that an investigation into the circumstances of Amsberry’s death has been launched.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of 1st Sgt. Nicholas Amsberry,” said Lt. Col. Peter Moon, commander, 1st CAB. “We know the death of a family member is an immeasurable loss. It’s a loss shared by Soldiers across our formations. He was a highly-respected leader in our organization, and he will truly be missed. We will continue to be there for his family and his Soldiers throughout this difficult time.”

According to a DoD press release, Amsberry’s earned numerous awards throughout his career as a soldier, including a Meritorious Service Medal, five Army Commendation Medals and seven Army Achievement Medals. He also earned a Ranger Tab, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, and Senior Parachutist Badge among a long list of war fighting qualifications. Amsberry had previously deployed twice each to both Iraq and Afghanistan, before deploying to Europe last September.

Originally from Mesa, Arizona, Amsberry was deployed to the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in nearby Hohenfels, Germany.

Amsberry was one of thousands of soldiers deployed to Europe as a part of a reassurance campaign aimed at demonstrating America’s commitment to the collective defense of NATO nations along Russia’s western flank. Russia’s military annexation of Crimea in 2014 heightened concerns about Russian expansion in the region, and since then, a build up of military personnel and hardware in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, as well as massive drills held in the region with ally Belarus, have only worsened relations between NATO and Russia. This standoff has resulted in a ramp up of American military personnel deployed to the region to serve as a deterrent, as well as frequent intercepts between Russian and NATO aircraft over the international waters of the Black and Baltic Seas.

 

Feature image courtesy of the U.S. Army