RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WACH) — A Fort Jackson drill sergeant is dead after he was found unresponsive in his vehicle on Saturday, according to Fort Jackson officials.

Staff Sgt. Zachary L. Melton, 30, a drill sergeant with the 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, was found by unit personnel after he failed to report for work.

Army officials say, Melton spent more than 10 years in the Army with the last three years as a drill sergeant on Fort Jackson.

He had the Parachutist Badge, was an Equal Opportunity representative and completed the Marksmanship Master Trainer Course.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with C device, Army Commendation Medal (3 times); Army Achievement Medal (2 times); National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

The Directorate of Emergency Services was called, and EMS pronounced him dead shortly after arriving.

“We are extremely saddened by the loss of Staff Sgt. Melton,” Brig. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, Fort Jackson commanding general, said. “Our thoughts are with his family and the soldiers of the Always Forward battalion during this very emotional time.”

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Melton of Huntsville, Alabama is the second drill sergeant found dead at Fort Jackson in 10 days.

Staff Sgt. Allen M. Burtram, 34, was found dead on December 8.

“As a Fort Jackson community, we are mourning the tragic loss of two of our drill sergeants within the past few weeks,” Brig. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, Fort Jackson commanding general, said. “While there are several ongoing investigations into the specifics of each of these deaths, we are taking very deliberate steps to ensure our resiliency resource offerings are adequate and responsive.”

Fort Jackson is providing military chaplains and behavioral health personnel to support members in the unit.

Melton's family has been notified and and U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division is investigating.

More information will be provided when it becomes available.

Soldiers, veterans, and family members who need help can call the Military Crisis Line/Veterans Crisis Line at 988, chat on veteranscrisisline.net or text 838255.

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