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Sgt. Matthew J. Rhoads
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Phila. paratrooper found dead in N.C.
Sgt. Matthew J. Rhoads, a 29-year-old paratrooper from Philadelphia who served seven months in Iraq, was found dead Sunday in his residence at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Maj. Thomas Ernhardt, spokesman for the 82d Airborne Division, said that a preliminary investigation did not indicate foul play, but that an autopsy was under way.
"His unit is devastated," said Ernhardt, who described Rhoads as a "stellar performer and an all-around paratrooper."
Rhoads was assigned to the 82d Airborne in October 2004, and became a small-arms master gunner assigned to the division's First Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, Third Brigade Combat Team.
He served in Iraq from August 2006 to February 2007 and received several decorations, including the Army Commendation medal.
Rhoads is survived by his parents, Gerald and Karen Rhoads, a brother and a sister, all of Philadelphia.
Contact staff writer David O'Reilly at 215-854-5723 or doreilly@phillynews.com.
Contact staff writer David O'Reilly at 215-854-5723 or doreilly@phillynews.com.
