Ana Basalduaruiz: Army suspects 'no foul play' in death of soldier who accused superior of sexual harassment
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
FORT HOOD, TEXAS: The army has issued a statement on Pvt. Ana Basalduaruiz’s death at the base, informing that no ‘No foul play is evident.’ Fort Hood, Army Criminal Investigation Division official added on Thursday evening, March 16, that the incident remains under investigation circumstances surrounding her death. "Army CID will continue to conduct a thorough investigation and gather all evidence and facts to ensure they discover exactly what transpired. Information related to any possible harassment will be addressed and investigated fully," the statement read.
As per the Department of Defense's fiscal year 2021 report on sexual assault and harassment in the military, 29% of women and 7% of men went through sexual harassment. The percentage has risen for women, as the last report on the fiscal year 2018, 24% of women claimed they suffered sexual harassment in the force.
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Who was Pvt Ana Basalduaruiz?
I’m aware of the death of Ana Basaldua in Ft Hood, TX. May she Rest In Peace. She was only 21 years old…I will be speaking to the family soon, I find it very sensitive to speak on something I’m not fully aware off yet and this is also very triggering for me… I need to gather my… https://t.co/nkdQQdwYEf pic.twitter.com/Mj7XgoYDQ0
— Mayra Guillen (@mguilen_) March 16, 2023
A combat engineer serving with the 1st Cavalry Division for 15 months, Pvt Ana Basalduaruiz was found dead on Monday, March 13, at the base. In an interview with Telemundo, the heartbroken family shared with the officials told she died by suicide. "She told me 'mom, everyone wants me to sleep with them, but they are a-------,'" said the grieving mother, Alejandra Ruiz Zarco, as reported by ABC News.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Pvt. Ana Basalduaruiz and we extend our sympathies to her father, mother, and her sister," said Lt Col Patrick Sullivan, commander, of the 91st Engineer Battalion. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. She was an exceptional teammate that will truly be missed."
'Sexual harassment and murder at the same base'
"A loss of any one of our Soldiers is a tragedy and it is no different in the death of Private Ana Basalduaruiz. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ana," said Col Christopher Dempsey, commander of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. "We have remained in constant contact with both parents of Private Basalduaruiz, and will continue to keep them updated", he added.
In a similar case, Army Spc Vanessa Guillen was murdered at the same base after allegedly being sexually harassed by another soldier. The accused killed himself when police were pursuing him. A report later confirmed that Guillen was the victim of sexual harassment by a superior. Her sister Mayra Guillen, also commented on Basalduaruiz's death on Twitter, "I’m aware of the death of Ana Basaldua in Ft Hood, TX. May she Rest In Peace. She was only 21 years old ... I will be speaking to the family soon, I find it very sensitive to speak on something I’m not fully aware off yet and this is also very triggering for me ... I need to gather my thoughts and then I’ll be able to share them."
