FORT RILEY, Kan. — A U.S. soldier based out of Fort Riley, Kansas, has died in Afghanistan, the Army announced on Friday.
Capt. Michael Braden, 31, was pronounced dead at a medical facility on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, after being found unresponsive in his living quarters Wednesday morning. The cause of death is under investigation.
According to the U.S. Army, Braden was a signal officer assigned to the 1st Infantry Division Headquarters which is currently deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This was Braden’s second deployment with the division. In 2010, he deployed for a yearlong tour to Basra, Iraq. He also deployed to Qatar for five months in 2005.
Braden, a Pennsylvania native, graduated from Slippery Rock University and received his Army commission in May 2003. He was assigned to Fort Riley in December 2008.
Braden’s awards include a Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal.
