SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras –
Two Soldiers from Joint Task Force-Bravo were killed at approximately 2:30 p.m. July 31 when their car ran off highway CA-5, between Siguatepeque and Comayagua, and struck a tree. A civilian passenger in the car was killed in the crash as well.
Army Sgt. Luis E. Brito, 26, a Springdale, Ark., native, died immediately of traumatic head injury, according to the Comayagua District Attorney's Office forensic doctor on duty, Dr. Kenia Saravia.
Army Sgt. Leodegario G. Lizárraga, 42, a native of Houston, Texas, also died immediately of traumatic head injury, according to Dr. Saravia.
Both Soldiers were wheeled vehicle mechanics in the 1-228th Aviation Regiment, JTF-Bravo, Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. Both were promoted posthumously from specialist to sergeant, effective July 31.
The cause of the accident is under investigation by the Honduran National Police.
"Joint Task Force-Bravo is mourning the loss of these two members of our team," said Col. Gregory Reilly, the JTF-Bravo commander. "We are thinking of their family members during this difficult time, and we will do everything we can to honor the memory of the Soldiers."
JTF-Bravo is scheduled to hold a memorial service for the Soldiers here at 11 a.m. Aug. 5.