20th Fighter Wing airman found dead in residence died from suicide

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (WIS) - A spokesperson with Shaw Air Force Base says an airman assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing was found dead in his off-base residence on Wednesday.

Staff Sgt. Justin Strickland, 26, was found around 10 a.m. in his home near Sumter, S.C.

The Sumter County Coroner’s Office confirmed Strickland took his own life.

Strickland was the Operational Support Squadron (OSS) training manager and had been active in the Air Force since 2011.

“We are devastated by this loss,” Lt. Col. Max Johnson, 20th OSS commander, said. “Justin was a valued member of our squadron, our teammate and our friend. You simply cannot replace someone with a heart and a personality as big as his. Our entire squadron grieves alongside all those who loved him and feel the sorrow of this tragedy.”

If you or someone you love is battling depression or contemplating suicide, there are resources you can go to. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, a service that’s available 24/7, and it’s free and confidential support from professionals. You can call 1-800-273-8255.