Soldier from Austin killed in non-combat related incident

AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Military Department has announced the death of a soldier from Austin. Staff Sgt. Timothy Manchester, 34, died January 20, 2021, in a non-combat related incident while supporting Operation Spartan Shield at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

Staff Sgt. Manchester was a non-commissioned officer with the 36th Infantry Division, Texas Army National Guard, headquartered in Austin, Texas. He deployed with the 36th ID, September 2020.

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Staff Sgt. Timothy Manchester, 34, joined the Texas Army National Guard in 2018, after serving in the U. S. Marine Corps. (Texas Military Department / FOX 7 Austin)

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"We are devastated by the loss of one of our own," said Maj. Gen. Tracy Norris, the Adjutant General for Texas. "In this profession, we always know in the back of our mind that this is a possibility, but we hope it never comes to pass. The entire Texas Military Department sends our deepest condolences to Staff Sgt. Manchester’s family and loved ones he leaves behind. We are also keeping his fellow service members in our thoughts and prayers who are still overseas mourning the loss of their brother in arms."

The unit leadership will continue to provide support and assistance to his family during this difficult time, according to a press release from the Texas Military Department.

Manchester joined the Texas Army National Guard in 2018, after serving in the U. S. Marine Corps. His awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

The incident is currently under investigation.