COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Army says there is no apparent evidence of foul play in the death of a Fort Jackson drill sergeant last week.
The fort sent out new information Tuesday in the death of Staff Sgt. Allen Burtram, who died on December 8. Burtram, 34, didn't show up to work and was later found by medical services, who pronounced him dead once they arrived.
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division continues to investigate the death.
Burtram had been at Fort Jackson for the last 18 months and had served in the Army for a total of 12 years. During his time in the military, he had been deployed to Kuwait and Korea.
Burtram was a drill sergeant with the 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment was found
The unit assigned to Burtram had graduated from basic training on November 30 and was currently on a cycle break.
Burtram was originally from Cleveland, Tennessee.
On Monday, News19 spoke with Nick Martenelli-Reiter, who served with Burtram for three years. The two were at Fort Hood in Texas together, as well as Kuwait.
"He changed me in a good way. He molded me into the person I feel like I became today," said Martenelli-Reiter told News19. "There was never a time where he wasn't there for just anybody. I mean, he was the guy that anyone could go to and talk to."
Reiter said Burtram was a loving father, husband, and man who cared about his country.
Burtram was originally fcame from a family with two sisters, and more than a dozen aunts and uncles. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (5 times); Army Achievement Medal (4 times); Army Good Conduct Medal (3 times); National Defense Service Medal, Global War of Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Korea Defense Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon (2 times).