TERRE ALTA, W.Va. – Officials from the West Virginia National Guard say a soldier from Terre Alta was found dead in his home Tuesday. Specialist Brian Gank, 25, was a member of the 157th Military Police Company and had joined in 2015.
“Cathy and I express our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of this young man we lost today,” said Governor Jim Justice. “We will do everything we can to provide support to his family and will never forget his service to our great State and Nation.”
The 157th Military Police Company is based in Moorefield and was deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 2020.
Brig. Gen. William Crane issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the men and women of the West Virginia National Guard, I extend my deepest condolences to Brian’s family, friends, and those who served with him. Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this untimely passing of such a young soul,” said Crane. “Spc. Gank answered the call to duty with dedication and devotion to service above self like so many of our One Guard family.”
The cause of death has not been determined. The Preston County Coroner’s Office is investigating.