Alaska Air National Guard member dies in fall

  • Published
  • By Capt. John Callahan
  • 176 Wing
ANCHORAGE, Alaska --  A member of the Alaska Air National Guard's 176th Civil Engineer Squadron died July 5 of injuries sustained while on active duty in Baltimore, Md.

Senior Airman Cameron Mixsooke, 26, of Kenai, was returning to Alaska following a six-month deployment in Kuwait. Witnesses reported seeing Mixsooke climb over the railing on the balcony of his seventh-floor hotel room, and falling. He suffered severe injuries and was transported by paramedics to Baltimore Washington Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead by the attending physician. It is unclear at this time whether Mixsooke's death was intentional.

"We are utterly heartbroken over losing Senior Airman Mixsooke," said Lt. Col. Ed Soto, the squadron's commanding officer. "Cameron was a valued Airman, team member and friend. He was a skilled technician, and well-liked within the squadron. His entire Guard family is deeply saddened, and we are all praying for his loved ones."

Mixsooke was a technician specializing in the maintenance and repair of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. He had been a member of the Alaska Air National Guard since 2007, and had prior service with the U.S. Army.

Mixsooke is survived by his wife, Samantha, of Kenai; and his parents, Sharon & Reuben Mixsooke, of Unalakleet. Counselors with the Alaska National Guard's Family Programs are working with his family and fellow Guard members.

The circumstances of Mixsooke's death are under investigation by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, as required by federal regulation.