In October this year, a body of a Territorial Defence Army officer was found in the Pasłęka River in Braniewo, Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. The deceased, Luke Z., served from January 2024 in 43. Border defence Battalion in Braniewo. The Prosecutor's Office of Olsztyn South conducts an investigation into the causes of the soldier's death, however, the findings so far indicate that the event took place outside hours of service and was not related to military duties.
Investigation of circumstances of death
The officer's body was found at a depth of a metre below the water surface in the Pasłęka River. Military authorities and investigators noted that the death of Luke Z. was not due to the actions of 3rd parties.
The Prosecutor's Office shall conduct proceedings in accordance with Article 155 of the Criminal Code concerning man's manslaughter. Evidence is being analysed, including waiting for expert opinion, which may bring additional information to the case.
A past of Tragedy in Bravian Military Units
The death of Luke Z. is not the first case of tragedy in military units in Braniewo. In June 2023, the body of 44-year-old Private Marius M. was found close the 9th Braniewski Armored Cavalry Brigade.
In this case, according to the ‘Rzeczpospolita’, the prosecution is investigating Article 151 of the Criminal Code, which suggests that instigation or support in self-harm may have contributed to death. Earlier, in January 2022, another tragedy occurred involving a young soldier – a 22-year-old man was found with a gunshot wound to the head in Bialowieża.
Read more: A soldier went missing while bathing in the Baltic Sea
The case of a Territorial defence Army officer. expanding intellectual support for soldiers
The Ministry of Defence admits that suicide in the military remains a problem. In the first half of 2023 11 cases of suicide among soldiers were reported. In February of that year, the Ministry of Defence launched a trust telephone number 800 300 311. Additionally, the household of the deceased Luke Z. received intellectual support. These incidents item the importance of intellectual support among soldiers who frequently conflict with the force of performing hard tasks.
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