Local News
Bragg soldier's death an apparent suicide
Posted October 27, 2011
Updated December 27, 2011
Fayetteville, N.C. — An 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot to the head Tuesday in Fayetteville, authorities said.
Sgt. Wesley Durden, 28, of Jacksonville, was found dead off Reilly Road. He had been shot once.
Durden was a cook with Headquarters Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion. He had been deployed twice to Iraq since 2007. He also was a contestant on TLC's reality show "Next Great Baker."
Durden is survived by his son, Wesley, 7, and his daughter, Giannia, 2.
This story is closed for comments.
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More...sunneyone Dec 21, 2011
This is so shocking. I really liked him and was happy to see a hometown boy on Great Baker.
I am sorry for his family and friends.
iggie53659 Dec 20, 2011
I will NEVER watch Cake Boss, Next Great Baker, or for that matter, TLC channel AGAIN!!!! I viewed the episode where Mr. Durden was eliminated from the competition in a completely, mindbendingly unreasonable manner--four women competitors were deliberately brawling short of punching each other out (not to mention the unsportsmanlike "team" behavior of the men on Mr. Durden's team, one of whom is a burned out policeman from Worcester, Mass., where I grew up), one of the women should have been eliminated--CLEARLY. It is a tragedy, and personally, my heart goes out to his family and friends.
sjb2k1 Dec 20, 2011
another suicide :(
NiceNSmooth Dec 20, 2011
Our governement and military need to supply or required counselling once a solider returns from deployment - it is a tragedy that they serve our country, help keep us safe - then come home and become overwhelmed with PTSD they kill themselves or others - every solidar should attend a couple of months of counseling so we can help save them - like they saved us
Here is a suggestion... instead of putting them on a plane to get home why not put them on boat (Navy) and give them all counceling and time to adjust? just my 2 cents
Responsibleforactions Dec 20, 2011
Our governement and military need to supply or required counselling once a solider returns from deployment - it is a tragedy that they serve our country, help keep us safe - then come home and become overwhelmed with PTSD they kill themselves or others - every solidar should attend a couple of months of counseling so we can help save them - like they saved us
Statick Dec 20, 2011
Hey! That's my street!
aprilfawnbanks Oct 28, 2011
Speaking as someone who's husband worked beside this man and deployed with him, it's extremely saddening to hear about this on the news and still not have any details as to why this happened. Sgt. Durden was a talented and outstanding soldier, husband, and father to his children. He is going to be greatly missed by those who knew him. Please send prayers to his family (immediate and Army)as they deal with this tragedy.
SouthernGirlJD Oct 27, 2011
so sad! Prayers for his family. Thank you for the serving our country while you did.
tierneemalinadeveaux Oct 27, 2011
Wow. What is going on in Fayetteville this week?
Rebelyell55 Oct 27, 2011
Man, two tours and come home to get killed. So sad. God bless our troops. Your Goverment may not care a bout ya, but the citizens sure do.