Fort Hood Identifies Soldier Recovered from Stillhouse Hollow Lake

Fort Hood officials have released the identity of a soldier whose body was recovered from Stillhouse Hollow Lake Sunday.

Investigators believe 24-year-old Spc. Francisco Gilberto Hernandezvargas, originally from Woodside, NY, drowned at the lake after reportedly riding behind a boat in an inner tube and falling into the water.

Hernandezvargas' identity was not made public until after his family had been notified.

In a news release, officials said Hernandezvargas entered the Army in May of 2017 as as an Automatic Rifleman, and was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since December of 2017.

The soldier's awards and decorations included the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Army Service Ribbon.

“The Black Knight family is heartbroken by the loss of Specialist Francisco Hernandezvargas. Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time,” said Lt. Col. Neil Armstrong, commander of 1st Bn. 5th Cav. Regt. “Specialist Hernandezvargas served his country honorably both stateside while at Fort Hood and abroad in Korea and Romania and this tragic loss is felt by every member within our formation.”

My heart goes out to Hernandezvargas' family and fellow soldiers. This has been a dark year for our men and women in uniform at Fort Hood, and the last thing they needed was another tragedy to deal with. Thank you to everyone in uniform and your service. We appreciate you.