82nd Airborne Division paratrooper dies

Spc. Tavis Tsinigine, 23, of Phoenix, Ariz., died from from a gunshot wound at a Fayetteville residence early Sunday, officials said.

Tsinigine was a UH-60 helicopter crew chief with C Company of the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Aviation Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB).

“Our troopers are our most important asset, and their safety is our primary concern. We’ve lost a good trooper, and he will be sorely missed,” said Col. Paul W. Bricker, 82nd CAB commander. “Our condolences go out to his family.”

Tsinigine joined the Army in May 2004. Tsinigine's mother, Doreen Molinar, of Phoenix, survives him.

A unit memorial service will be held Thursday.