GEARY COUNTY —An autopsy is planned Wednesday on a 1st Infantry Division Soldier found dead in an off-post residence in Junction City.
On Monday, Spc. Hunter Schmidtke, an infantryman with Company B, 1st Battalion, 16th
Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div., was found
unresponsive in an off-post home and later pronounced dead.
The Junction City Police Department and Fort Riley Criminal Investigation Command are
investigating Schmidtke’s death. Junction City police confirmed an autopsy is scheduled today but no foul play is suspected.
“The Soldiers of the ‘Iron Ranger’ battalion mourn the loss of Spc. Hunter Schmidtke,” said Lt. Col. Jon Meredith, 1st Bn., 16th Inf. Regt., commander. “We will continue to fully support his family and friends during these challenging times and will honor Spc. Schmidtke’s memory and contributions
to the unit.”
Schmidtke joined the Army in May 2015 and arrived at Fort Riley in June 2016. He was 25 years old.
Schmidtke’s home of record is University Place, Washington. His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon.
Schmidtke deployed to South Korea in 2016.