THOUSAND OAKS : Soldier, 19, Dies of Unknown Causes at Army Base
A 19-year-old soldier from Thousand Oaks died at an Army base in San Bernardino County after he was found unconscious and not breathing in his barracks Thursday night.
Pvt. Kevin C. Watkins was pronounced dead 45 minutes after he arrived at Weed Army Community Hospital at Ft. Irwin.
A preliminary investigation by Army officials found no evidence of foul play or suicide, base spokeswoman Kathleen Gilmore said. Army officials would not release any additional information.
An autopsy is scheduled to be performed Monday or Tuesday by the San Bernardino County coroner’s office, Deputy Coroner Andy Avery said.
Both the coroner’s office and Army officials are conducting investigations.
Watkins was assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Infantry of the 177th Armored Brigade at Ft. Irwin. His mother, Jean Watkins, lives in Thousand Oaks.
The base is about 40 miles northeast of Barstow and served as a major training center for soldiers in Operation Desert Storm.
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