Fort Bragg Colonel's Parachute Malfunctioned

Army Col. Darron L. Wright, of Mesquite, Texas, the Corps Assistant Chief of Staff, G5, died while conducting a standard MC-6 parachute jump at Sicily Drop Zone (circled) at Fort Bragg, NC Wednesday.

“We are deeply saddened by yesterday’s events and our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” Lt. Gen. Joe Anderson, commander of XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, said in a news release. “The XVIII Airborne Corps has sustained the loss of a superb paratrooper and a magnificent officer who served with marked distinction and honor throughout his career.”
 
“The loss of this outstanding leader and patriot leaves a void in our team,” said Wright’s deputy, Lt. Col. Michael Moore. “The entire G5 team is saddened and shocked by this tragedy. We will truly miss his leadership, experience and energy.”
 
Wright, 46, graduated from the University of North Texas in 1991 and received his commissioned as an infantry officer through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

Wright’s previous assignments include 1st Corps, Fort Lewis, Wash.; 4th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; 1st Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Polk, La.; 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
 
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with V device, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star, Iraqi Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Air Assault, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Ranger Tab, and Senior Parachutist Badge.
 
Wright is survived by his wife and three children.

(Map of jump area provided by the U.S. Army)

FMI: www.bragg.army.mil