Even more deadly tragedy: Army suicides

Apparent suicide of soldier from Dayton reflects disturbing trend
By Mary McCarty, Staff Writer
Updated 1:11 AM Sunday, December 5, 2010
On Nov. 5, the Fort Hood Army post observed a solemn commemoration of the first anniversary of the shooting rampage that claimed 13 lives.

Exactly three weeks later, on Nov. 26, a 22-year-old Dayton soldier, Pfc. Bryant Evans, became part of a quieter but even more deadly tragedy: Army suicides.

Evans died from a gunshot wound at his home in Killeen, Texas, in the shadow of the sprawling base. The Army’s investigation is still ongoing, but Chris Haug, Fort Hood’s chief of media relations, said there was no sign of foul play. Even before Evans’ death, Fort Hood had suffered 21 suicides this year, a record number — and triple the seven suicides in 2003.

Friends and family members are shocked that this hard-working young man would take his own life only 10 months after marrying his childhood sweetheart, Ariel DelRio.

“You couldn’t have asked for a better child,” said his father, Michael Harrison. “He was very kind-hearted, very soft-spoken, and would do anything for anybody.”

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Apparent suicide of soldier from Dayton