Heat, dehydration cited in soldier’s death
Texas ? A soldier who went missing for four days after a solo navigation exercise died of hyperthermia and dehydration, according to autopsy results released Wednesday.
The body of Sgt. Lawrence G. Sprader, 25, was found Tuesday night in a brushy area on the Central Texas Army post’s training ground, said Eddy Howton, Fort Hood’s director of emergency services. About 3,000 people, including soldiers, covered more than 30 square miles searching for him in 90-degree heat.
Officials have said Sprader had two canteens of water, a water backpack and two Meals Ready To Eat when he left. His body was found near plenty of drinking water from creeks and other sources, said Robert Volk, Fort Hood’s chief game warden.
Officials do not suspect foul play, said Lt. Col. Carter Oates, commander of the 11th MP Battalion, Criminal Investigations Division, where Sprader was assigned.






