FORT CAMPBELL, KY (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A Fort Campbell soldier who went missing over the Fourth of July weekend was found dead on Monday.
On July 5, Sgt. Sage Gustafson, an infantryman with 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment “Red Currahee,” went missing after sending a concerning text message, according to the Missing People in America (MPIA).
Gustafson was reported to be driving either a blue Ford Sport Trac truck with Tennessee plates or a red Chevy Impala, and he might have been traveling towards Illinois. His phone last pinged near the Woodlands neighborhood on Fort Campbell. According to MPIA, Military Police searched for him but didn’t find him.
According to MPIA, the last contact with him was Friday morning when he sent a concerning text and he hadn’t answered his phone since. The MPIA states that this behavior was very out of character for him, and though his phone was on, he wasn’t picking up calls or texts.
On Monday, the 1-506th announced on Facebook that, after three days of searching, Gustafson had been found.
“It is with heavy hearts the Red Currahee family announces the passing of our own Sgt. Sage U. Gustafson,” the 1-506th stated. “Sgt. Gustafson was a stand-up soldier and friend that will be deeply missed.”
The circumstances surrounding his death have not been disclosed, and they are under investigation, according to Lt. Col. Tony Hoefler, spokesperson for the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell.
“We grieve together as a community and promise to never forget Sgt. Gustafson,” the 1-506th said. “If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out.”
This article will be updated.