CAMP JOHNSON, Vermont –
Sgt. Willard Magoon, 25, a Soldier with the Vermont Army National Guard, passed away June 9, 2019, at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans with his family at his side.
Magoon died of cardiac complications.
Magoon was an allied trade specialist (machinist supervisor) assigned to B Company, 186th Brigade Support Battalion, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (MTN).
“This all happened so fast, we are still in shock,” said Captain Lindsey Pigeon, commander, B Co., 186th BSB. “My heart goes out to the family. It’s been a hard couple of weeks for everyone involved, and now it’s important for all of us to come together to help in any way we can.”
“We are shocked, and deeply saddened, by the death of Sgt. Magoon,” said Brig. Gen. Gregory Knight, Adjutant General, Vermont National Guard, “we are here for his family, and will offer them all the support we can during this trying time.”
Magoon was training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, as part of the Vermont Army National Guard 19-07 Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) rotation beginning in April and ending in late May. He experienced flu-like symptoms and was put in quarters to rest and recover. His health quickly declined and he was sent to Rapides Hospital in Leesville, Louisiana. He was then admitted to the intensive care unit. Magoon was later transported to the Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans for continued care, where he passed from cardiac complications.
“I send my sincere condolences to Sgt. Magoon’s family and friends, and to his brothers and sisters in the Vermont National Guard,” said Governor Phil Scott. “I mourn alongside you, as we come to grips with this tragic loss.”