UPDATE - Oregon Guard Soldier Commits Suicide at Anderson Readiness Center

Troopers say a soldier who committed suicide this morning was not set to deploy to Iraq with the 41st BCT.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon State Police detectives say they are continuing the investigation into the suicide of an Oregon National Guard soldier who died Friday morning from a self-inflicted gunshot wound as he sat in his vehicle in the west parking lot at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem.

According to the Oregon Military Department, the 25-year old man was not slated for deployment nor has he deployed with the ONG. His name is withheld pending completion of next of kin notifications.

Lt. Gregg Hastings with OSP says this morning at approximately 8:19 a.m. OSP and Salem police were notified of an armed, suicidal man at the Anderson Readiness Center, located at 3225 State Street in Salem.

"An OSP lieutenant was first on scene and pulled into the parking lot where he spotted the man's vehicle," Hastings said.

"As the lieutenant pulled his patrol vehicle behind the man's vehicle in a parking slot, it attempted to back out and collided with the left front quarter panel of the OSP patrol vehicle."

He was transported by ambulance to Salem Hospital where he died within an hour of the shooting.

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Anonymous June 29, 2016 5:35 pm (Pacific time)

David May, That help line is bogus. I cannot find any information on my grandson's suicide in Salem OR. He was in the Army National Guard. He shot himself at home. Ex Daughter-in-Law, has not given us any information. I can't even find an obituary. Can anyone help me please?!! Heartbroken in Hawaii. noelovesmeli@gmail.com

David May 11, 2010 8:18 am (Pacific time)

New Military Help Line 1.888.HLP.4VET it works for vets and families

Dude May 9, 2009 12:10 pm (Pacific time)

Maybe this guy knew of an upcoming domestic martial law operation that is to take place against his own citizens and saw this as his only way out.

Ariel May 9, 2009 7:47 am (Pacific time)

Anon--What makes you think that our soldiers have no compassion and that they tell other soldiers to "suck it up"?? Just because the VA has failed our soldiers, does not mean they cannot help each other. It is very sad that every soldier does not find the help they need, but it is no reason to generalize. My husband is one of the soldiers that the VA has failed, but he, among others, has found help from family, friends, and fellow soldiers. It is unfortunate that this man felt that suicide was his only option, or maybe it was his last resort. Whatever the case, it is very sad and I will pray for his family.

Ross May 9, 2009 12:26 am (Pacific time)

I wonder what the security is doing now?

Estevan May 8, 2009 10:46 pm (Pacific time)

Very sad. High expectations to "succeed" in this life can cause early, flawed, feelings of failure. If you feel like this is a solution, find help. It's out there.

Anon May 8, 2009 10:18 pm (Pacific time)

What is BS is that the Guard thinks that they can solve this epidemic with cheap bumper stickers with a 1-800 number on it. What they NEED to do is train their soldiers to have compassion. Soldiers cannot go to their peers for help when they hear stuff like, "Suck it up" or "You raised your hand". It's BS.

Anonymous May 8, 2009 1:07 pm (Pacific time)

Dammit, J***, we could have helped. Or at least tried.

Debbie May 8, 2009 11:37 am (Pacific time)

My thoughts and prayers are with the family! May he/she rest in peace.

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