Military service member found dead in Nogales identified

The military service member who was found dead in Nogales in early June has been identified as Army Pfc. Steven Hodges, according to the 7th Infantry Division.

Hodges, 20, was found dead June 1. His cause of death remains unknown and is still under investigation, said Capt. Jason C. Elmore, spokesman for the U.S. Army North public affairs department.

Hodges was from Menifee, California, and was assigned to the Southwest Border Support Mission.

"Every soldier in the Tomahawk Battalion is an essential member of our team. The loss of any soldier is deeply felt," Lt. Col. Sean Lyons, First Battalion, 23rd Inf. Reg. commander said in a statement.

"Private First Class Steven Hodges is sorely missed by his teammates and the entire Tomahawk family, every soldier is a national treasure," he added.

On Sunday, June 23, another military service member was found dead near Ajo. The name and age of this service member has not been released, and the incident is under investigation. 

Officials at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, say foul play isn't suspected in either incident. 

Breaking News Intern Molly Hudson can be reached at Molly.Hudson@arizonarepublic.com and follow her on twitter @AsuMollyh

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