Updated Thursday afternoon:
An autopsy on a Fort Riley soldier found in a vehicle on I-70 earlier this week has determined his death was from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
As reported by KMAN Monday afternoon, Alejandro Jonathan Franquiz, 30, of Fort Riley was found deceased inside a vehicle parked on Interstate 70 at the Mile Marker 311 East Bound off-ramp, located at Moritz Road.
A news release from Captain Brian Hornaday with the sheriff’s office indicates a deputy located the vehicle at 12:14 a.m. Monday, with Franquiz’s body inside.
Franquiz was a section chief with Company B, 601st Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Inf. Division. He arrived at Fort Riley in October 2015. He previously served at Fort Riley from December 2008 to August 2012.
(earlier reports)
Updated Wednesday morning:
More information was released by Fort Riley Tuesday afternoon regarding a 1st Infantry Division Soldier who was found dead in his car alongside I-70 south
of Manhattan early Monday.
Staff Sgt. Alejandro Franquiz, 30, was a section chief with Company B, 601st Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Inf. Division.
Franquiz arrived at Fort Riley in October 2015. He previously served at Fort Riley from December 2008 to August 2012.
Franquiz deployed three times during his Army career: twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan.
His awards include four Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals and four Army Good Conduct Medals.
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(earlier report)
A Fort Riley soldier has been found dead in Geary County. According to the Geary County Sheriff’s Office, Alejandro Jonathan Franquiz, 30, of Fort Riley was found deceased inside a vehicle parked on Interstate 70 at the Mile Marker 311 East Bound off-ramp, located at Moritz Road.
A Monday afternoon news release from Captain Brian Hornaday with the sheriff’s office indicates a deputy located the vehicle at 12:14 a.m. Monday, with Franquiz’s body inside.
An autopsy has been ordered and will be completed this week. No further information will be released at this time due to the pending investigation.
