TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of National Defense (MND) addressed on Tuesday (June 27) the tragic deaths of two sergeants at the Army's 10th Corps Command in Taiwan a day earlier, stressing that an investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths.
Speaking at a press conference, MND spokesperson Sun Li-fang acknowledged that the army cadres were unaware of one of the sergeants' suicidal thoughts. A suicide note left by the sergeant mentioned feeling stressed at work, shedding light on a potential underlying issue that had gone unnoticed.
The MND spokesperson also expressed the military's regret, stating that "the army cadres failed to stay on top of the emotional changes of the sergeant." Sun assured the public that authorities are fully committed to conducting a thorough investigation.
The two sergeants, both identified as Chen and aged 29 and 33, respectively, failed to report for the morning roll call. Subsequent search efforts led to discovering the unconscious sergeants in their shared barracks. Despite immediate medical attention and being rushed to the hospital, both individuals were pronounced dead approximately two hours later.
At the scene, investigators found a cylinder and a suicide note next to the 33-year-old sergeant, providing initial clues to the cause of their deaths. Preliminary findings from the investigation suggest that the sergeants may have succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning. To shed further light on the matter, the prosecutor's office has announced that an autopsy will be conducted.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, family members of the deceased 29-year-old sergeant have filed a lawsuit against the late 33-year-old sergeant, who reportedly took his own life. They firmly believe their loved one was innocently implicated in the tragic incident.
The sister of the 29-year-old sergeant expressed disbelief, stating that her brother had no suicidal intentions. She highlighted that he had contacted his wife the night before the incident and was a devoted father to their two children.
Casting doubt on the circumstances, she suspects that her brother was somehow involved against his will and has accused the 33-year-old sergeant of murder. As the investigation continues, the Ministry of National Defense assures the public that every effort is being made to uncover the truth behind this devastating incident.
>> If you have suicidal thoughts or suspect a friend or family member is having problems, call the 1925, 1995 or 1980 hotlines for help.