Downey soldier dies at Fort Bragg

FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Spc. Cesar Lopez, a 28-year-old paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, died last week after being found unresponsive in his barracks room at Fort Bragg. Lopez, of Downey, was transported to Womack Army Medical Center on Nov. 12 where he died, military authorities said.

A cause of death has not been released.

Lopez was a petroleum supply specialist with the 2nd Battalion, 321st Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team.

He joined the Army in March of 2012 and earned several honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Parachutist Badge.

"The Troopers of the Professional Battalion are truly saddened by the loss of Spc. Cesar Lopez," said Lt. Col. Jason Jones, commander, 2-321 AFAR. "Although he was only with the unit for a brief period of time, we will remember him as a great Paratrooper and friend."

Funeral services with full military honors are scheduled for Thursday in Quezaltenango, Guatemala. A local memorial service is planned for December.