Senior Airman Roger Fortson, 23, stationed at the Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida, died at his off-base residence after an incident involving a sheriff’s deputy, Associated press reporntd.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office reported that the deputy reacted in self-defense when encountering Fortson, who was armed with a gun during a disturbance in progress.
Fortson, a special missions aviator assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron, played a crucial role loading cannons on the AC-130J Ghostrider gunship during missions. The tragic incident has prompted the Air Force’s 1st Special Operations Wing to prioritize providing support to Fortson’s family and squadron, while also ensuring resources are available for all affected personnel.
The deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
