Fort Jackson soldier found dead in Richland County

A soldier at Fort Jackson has been found dead in his Richland County home.

The Army announced the death of Staff Sgt. Maxwell Besch on Friday morning, after the fort was notified of the sergeant’s death late Thursday by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, according to a release from Fort Jackson.

The cause of death is under investigation.

“Today is a heartbreaking day and this loss is felt deeply by all,” said Fort Jackson Commander Brig. Gen. Milford H. Beagle, Jr. “Our hearts and prayers are with the family members and teammates of Drill Sergeant Besch.We are providing every comfort and assistance that we can to all involved.”

Besch was a drill sergeant at Fort Jackson, attached to the 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment. He died at a home off-post at the fort.

This story was originally published February 7, 2020 at 9:33 AM.

Bristow Marchant

The State

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Bristow Marchant covers local government, schools and community in Lexington County for The State. He graduated from the College of Charleston in 2007. He has almost 20 years of experience covering South Carolina at the Clinton Chronicle, Sumter Item and Rock Hill Herald. He joined The State in 2016. Bristow has won numerous awards, most recently the S.C. Press Association’s 2024 education reporting award.  Support my work with a digital subscription