Army Sgt. Sarah Roque, 23, was reported missing Oct. 21, 2024, after she failed to report for duty at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. The following day officials announced she had been found dead. (Photo provided by Fort Leonard Wood Military Police)
A Fort Leonard Wood soldier reported missing Monday was found dead, officials at the Missouri base said.
Sgt. Sarah Roque, 23, did not report to formation Monday morning, and Fort Leonard Wood police issued a missing-person alert for her. The statement released Tuesday about her death did not state when or where she was found, only that the Army Criminal Investigation Division is investigating.
Officials declined to answer any further questions about the circumstances surrounding her death or the nature of the investigation. Army CID, which did not respond to questions Tuesday, is required to investigate the death of all soldiers.
Roque was from Ligonier, Ind., and served as a bridge crew member and a mine dog handler with the K9 Detachment of the 5th Engineer Battalion, according to base officials. She enlisted in 2020 and attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood.
Her awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
“Sgt. Roque was a daughter, sister, friend and soldier who chose to serve our country bravely and honorably,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, commander of the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood. “Her passing has caused a tremendous void throughout our team, and while there are no words to ease the pain, we continue to provide care, resources and support to those who are affected during this difficult time.”
Fort Leonard Wood is about 90 miles northeast of Springfield and home to schoolhouses for the Army’s chemical, engineer and military police soldiers. It has roughly 6,600 active-duty soldiers assigned to the base, and another 12,000 in training, according to the Defense Department.
